Joseph Bates Noble Witnesses Glorious Power and Tongues at Kirtland

In the summer of 1833, Joseph Bates Noble traveled from New York to Kirtland, Ohio, to visit Joseph Smith for the first time, a distance of 250 miles. When he arrived at Kirtland, he went directly to Joseph Smith's house. The Prophet invited Noble to work with him in the hayfield, and Noble stayed for nine days, working with Joseph Smith for six days. During this remarkable visit, Brother Brigham Young came from Canada to Kirtland and held 'four or five very interesting meetings.' Noble recorded: 'The power of God was poured out upon us, so that we spake with other tongues and prophesied as the spirit gave utterance.' This was a direct manifestation of the gift of tongues and prophecy as described in scripture. Much good instruction was given by President Joseph Smith during these meetings. This experience of witnessing the power of God in the form of speaking in tongues and prophecy confirmed to Joseph Bates Noble the divine nature of the work and strengthened his testimony immensely. He later became a faithful missionary and pioneer, and this early experience of the Spirit's power remained with him throughout his life.