Vision of Zion

Given to Elder Donald R. Snively, 1925

The account of this vision was recently re-confirmed by Jeanne Snively, daughter-in-law of D.R. Snively, who remembers that brother Snively had told her of this vision years ago. (Note, this vision has been previously printed incorrectly as belonging to D.P. Snively.)

"I saw a large pool of water full of stagnation, with a beautiful vessel on the opposite side from where I stood.

"It was moving very slowly, in fact just barely moving. The sky was overcast with black storm clouds and the pool was covered with a green scum.

"Suddenly the wind started blowing and the green scum blew back, the water cleared some but as the wind receded, the scum came floating back. The black clouds had gone but the sky was still overcast.

"There was a reef ahead and the vessel was moving slowly toward it. The captain was at the helm trying to steer the ship through the narrow passageway and into the open sea. Some of the crew had left their posts of duty and had erected a false platform made of new, unpainted lumber, near where the captain was. They were standing on this new platform, trying to get hold of the helm, with the captain.

"I could seem them pushing, pulling and struggling for a hold on the helm of the vessel. The passengers were all on the deck of the vessel watching the struggling crew. On their faces were expressions of fear, sadness, and distress, when suddenly there came down from above a shaft of lightning (only much whiter than lightning, so white it was blinding) and struck where the captain and the crew were struggling. It threw the crew and also the platform they had erected into the air. I could see some of the crew clinging to the new boards they had been standing on, and the ones who failed to turn loose were cast overboard and fell into the stagnant pool.

"Most of the passengers slumped down on the deck. Those who remained standing were dressed in white garments, while the garments of the others were covered with dust and grime. The shaft of light that came down from above remained right where it struck on the vessel, and those wearing the white garments amongst the passengers went forth and replaced some of the struggling crew who were cast overboard.

"Immediately the vessel began gaining momentum and passed by the reef out into the open sea. I was carried along where I could watch it.

"The vessel was moving very smoothly under her new power, and as it moved swiftly through the clear blue water, I could see the billows and foam rolling from her sides--a most beautiful sight to gaze upon.

"The passengers had taken towels from their grips and were washing their faces, and I could see them brushing the dust and grime off of their clothing and also brushing the dust and grime off of each other.

"And as the vessel was speeding on its way, I could see their garments getting whiter and whiter, and the expression on their faces had changed to happiness, delight, and contentment. Then I saw a beautiful city ahead and the vessel sailing into the harbor. Above the city was a white cloud or mist with a background that had the appearance of gold and over the city appeared a large sign in gold letters: ZION. I watched the vessel as it came in and docked, and then the vision closed."

(emphasis added)

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