Alvah Beman Doubts Spirit Manifestations Then Confesses and Repents

On January 21, 1836, at the Kirtland Temple, Alvah Beman was anointed to the office of President of the Elders' Quorum to which he had been ordained. According to Oliver Cowdery, the spiritual manifestations that occurred that evening were 'too great to be described,' and 'the heavens were opened to many, and great and marvelous things were shown.' However, President Beman, despite being present and witnessing these heavenly manifestations, later admitted that he had doubted the reality or validity of some of the spiritual happenings of that meeting. Two days later, he humbled himself, 'made an humble confession & asked forgiveness of the [leaders] which was joyfully given & the old man said he would try to resist Satan in future.' This experience demonstrates how even faithful leaders could be tested by doubt, and how repentance and humility bring restoration to fellowship with the Spirit of God.