Rebuking Evil Spirits

On June 4, 1831, a meeting was held in Kirtland in a little log schoolhouse (on Isaac Morley's farm). Joseph Smith had been absent in Hiram to organize a branch, and while he was away evil spirits were said to be molesting the inexperienced Saints—Bishop Partridge was unable to manage the situation. When Joseph returned he called a meeting in the schoolhouse and said in a powerful voice, "Let the spirits be made manifest." Immediately some present began to sing, to shout, and to cry. Joseph rebuked the manifestations and all became quiet except two individuals, whom he rebuked separately.

At the same meeting Joseph laid hands on Lyman Wight and blessed him with visions of heaven. He also stated, "I now see God, and Jesus Christ at his right hand. Let them kill me; I should not feel death as I am now." He laid hands upon Harvey Whitlock and ordained him to the office of high priest; according to Levi Hancock's recollection, Whitlock "turned as black as Lyman was white."