I believe the following to be an entheogenic experience that Joseph Smith Sr had with an Amanita Muscaria mushroom, which he did to mirror his wife’s experience. It proved to be a balm to his soul regarding his religious beliefs.
I have synthesized this versified version from the earliest extent copies within his wife’s history history, which can be found here:
Lucy Mack Smith, History Manuscript (1844–1845)
Lucy Mack Smith, History Manuscript (1845)
Lucy Mack Smith History, First Edition (1853)
1
A. After selling the Tunbridge farm, we moved to the Town of Royalton, which was only but a short distance. Here we resided but a few months, then moved again to Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont.
B. In the latter place my husband, Joseph Smith Sr., rented a farm of my father which he cultivated in the summer and taught school in the winter season.
C. In this way he continued laboring for a few years; during which time our circumstances gradually improved, until we found ourselves quite comfortable again.
2
A. Meantime we had a son whom we called Joseph, after the name of his father. He was born December 23d, 1805; whom I shall speak more particularly of, by and by.
B. Thence, we moved to Tunbridge; here we had another son, whom we named Samuel Harrison Smith: he was born March 13th, 1808. We lived in this place for a short time, then moved to Royalton.
C. Here Ephraim Smith was born March, 13th 1810, but died in infancy. We continued here until we had another son, born March 13th, 1811, whom we called William Smith.
3
A. About this time my husband’s mind became much excited upon the subject of religion; yet, he would not subscribe to any particular system of faith, but contended for the ancient order, as established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his Apostles.
B. One night he retired to his bed in a very thoughtful state of mind, contemplating the confusion and discord that reigned in the religious world.
C. He soon fell asleep, and before he awoke he had the following Vision; which I shall relate in his own words as he told it to me the next morning:
4
A. “I seemed to be traveling in an open barren field; and I turned my eyes towards the east, the west, the north, and the south, but could see nothing save dead fallen timber: not a vestige of life, either animal or vegetable could be seen; besides, to render the scene still more dreary, the most death-like silence prevailed: no sound of anything animate could be heard in all the field.
B. I was alone in this gloomy desert, with the exception of an attendant spirit; who kept constantly by my side. Of him I inquired the meaning of what I saw; and why I was thus travelling in such a dismal place.
C. He answered thus: ‘This field is the world which now lieth inanimate and dumb in regard to the true religion, or plan of salvation; but travel on, and, by the wayside, you will find on a certain log, a box; the contents of which, if you eat thereof, will make you wise, and give unto you wisdom and understanding.’
D. I carefully observed what was told me by my guide; and proceeding a short distance, I came to the box. I took it immediately and placed it under my left arm; then, with eagerness, raised the lid, and began to taste its contents.
E. Upon this all manner of beasts, horned cattle, roaring animals, rose up on every side in the most threatening manner possible; tearing the earth, tossing their horns, and bellowing in the most terrific manner, all around me.
F. They finally came so close to me, that I was compelled to drop the Box, and fly for my life;
G. Yet, in the midst of all this terror, I was perfectly happy; though I awoke, trembling with fear.”
5
From this forward my husband seemed more confirmed than ever in the opinion: that there were no order or class of religionists who knew any more concerning the Kingdom of God, than those of the world; or such as made no profession of religion whatever.