Joseph Smith Heals Evil Spirits from Harvey Whitlock at Kirtland Conference

During a conference at Kirtland, Elder Philo Dibble witnessed a remarkable deliverance from spiritual bondage. As he recorded: 'Then Harvey Whitlock stepped into the middle of the room with his arms crossed, bound by the power of Satan, and his mouth twisted unshapely. Hyrum Smith arose and declared that there was an evil spirit in the room. Joseph said, "Don't be hasty," and Hyrum sat down. Shortly Hyrum rose the second time, saying, "I know my duty and will do it," and stepping to Harvey, commanded the evil spirits to leave him, but the spirits did not obey. Joseph then approached Harvey and asked him if he believed in God. Then we saw a change in Harvey. He also bore record of the opening of the heavens and of the coming of the Son of Man.' The priesthood power of Joseph Smith, combined with Harvey's willingness to believe, resulted in the deliverance from the binding power of Satan. Harvey's mouth was healed from its unnatural distortion, and he was able to speak and bear testimony to the divine visions he experienced.