First vision... is this really true?

[_Nevo]

Whether or not the article is completely accurate the question is still there. When did the missionaries (and Church in general) start preaching the great truths of the First Vision? It is the core missionary teaching these days so would have been just as important then, wouldn't it?

See James B. Allen's article, "Emergence of a Fundamental: The Expanding Role of Joseph Smith's First Vision in Mormon Religious Thought."

[_Inconceivable]

Not all of Smith's visions had multiple versions.

So far as I am aware, there is only one version of the angel with the flaming sword threatening to slay him if he didn't begin breaking his marriage vow to his one legal wife.

This story kept all of it's elements regardless of where it was recorded.

And though this vision had a significant impact for the first 50 years, it hasn't been spoken of for the last 100.