Could the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, really read and translate Egyptian? This is not just an interesting enquiry, but touches upon Smith's claim to have direct divine aid in his understanding and translation of texts. This has bearing on the character of Mormonism.

Mormonism states that in the year 1820 Joseph Smith was stirred by a religious revival that broke out in the vicinity of Palmyra. This paper considers a second account of Smith's first vision that has been given more careful study. The author believes it will force upon Mormon writers a serious re-evaluation of the foundation of their church.