Joseph's granite-hard nurturing in Vermont opens Truman Madsen's reflections on the Prophet's life. Part 1 highlights his family roots, Mother Smith's tender influence, and the bonding of Joseph with his father and Hyrum through Joseph's excruciating surgery. It traces the family migration to New York and the heavy labor of clearing the land and establishing a home. Joseph's youthful craving for family unity occurs amidst sectarian rivalry and is fulfilled in the grandeur of the First Visitation. Following his youthful follies, Joseph is initiated into angelic ministration with the coming of Moroni. It closes with the farewell and premature death of his brother, Alvin