A better understanding of what Joseph Smith, the prophet, meant by his reference to Adam and to the ancient of days is made possible when one knows that Mormon theology teaches that the ancient of days and Adam are one and the same person.

Not only are these stupendous things yet to glorify this sacred spot but we learn from Doctrine and Covenants of the Church that wondrous things have already occurred there, to-wit: it was revealed to Joseph Smith in March 1832

"That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the Church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world, that you may come up unto the crown prepared for you, and be made rulers over many kingdoms, saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath established the foundations of Adam - Ondi-Ahman ; who hath appointed Michael your prince, and established his feet and set him upon high and given unto him the keys of salvation under the Counsel and direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of days or end of life .”

Another revelation in November, 1834, disclosed to Joseph Smith that :

"Three years previous to the death of Adam he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared , Enoch and Methuselah, who were righteous, unto the valley of Adam -Ondi- Ahman , and there bestowed upon them his last blessing, and the Lord appeared unto them , and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael , the Prince, the Archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam and said

unto him , I have set thee to be at the head ; a multitude of nations shall come of thee ; and thou art a prince over them forever.”

So we learn that Adam ; the ancient of days ; and Michael the Archangel are all one and the same person, and that he, from the dawn of life in the Garden of Eden till the judgment shall open the books, is forever identified with this spot in Grand River Valley in Daviess county , Missouri