While it is often called "The Vision," Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a series of visions combined into one revelation. In addition to a comparison of the three degrees of glory, Section 76 contains a vision of:
The glory of the Son (verses 20-24).- The fall of Satan and the sufferings of those who follow him, who are the sons of perdition (verses 25-49).
Those who inherit the celestial glory and come forth in the resurrection of the just (verses 50-70).
Those who inherit the terrestrial glory (verses 71-80).
Those who inherit the telestial glory (verses 81-89).
In an April 1881 general conference address, Elder Wilford Woodruff said the vision "gives more light, more truth, and more principle than any revelation contained in any other book we ever read. It makes plain to our understanding our present condition, where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going to."
Philo Dibble, who was present when the revelation was received, gave this account: "I saw the glory and felt the power, but did not see the vision. . . . Joseph would, at intervals, say: What do I see?' as one might say while looking out the window and beholding what all in the room could not see. Then he would relate what he had seen or what he was looking at. Then Sidney replied,I see the same.' Presently Sidney would say, What do I see?' and would repeat what he had seen or was seeing, and Joseph would reply,I see the same.'
"This manner of conversation was repeated at short intervals to the end of the vision, and during the whole time not a word was spoken by any other person. Not a sound or motion made by anyone but Joseph and Sidney, and it seemed to me that they never moved a joint or limb during the time I was there, which I think was over an hour, and to the end of the vision.
"Joseph sat as firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, `Sidney is not used to it as I am.' " (Juvenile Instructor, May 15, 1892, pp. 303-4, quoted in Milton V. Backman and Richard O. Cowan, Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants, p. 67.)
