Amasa Lyman and Zerubabel Snow Expel Evil Spirits and Baptize Possessed Woman

During a prayer meeting in the township of Chipeway, Ohio, a remarkable manifestation of evil spirits occurred that led to a conversion and baptism. After arriving for their first appointment, Amasa Lyman and Zerubabel Snow found that no people came to their Sabbath meeting—'a dull prospect this for converting the world,' as Amasa noted. However, they decided to hold a prayer meeting at night. Brother Welton's family and some of Brother Bosinger's family, who did not belong to the Church, came, along with a Miss Smith who was reclining on a bed in the corner of the room. As the elders sang and prayed, and Brother Snow began to speak, a chilling sensation pervaded Amasa's entire body and a cry of alarm from the bed attracted everyone's attention. When they examined Miss Smith, they discovered that her face and entire form were distorted in the most shocking manner. Her eyes were glaring wildly but apparently sightless, her respiration was very difficult, and her limbs were rigid as iron. The common restoratives were used without effect. The elders laid their hands upon her and rebuked the devil, and she was instantly relieved. But in another moment she was bound again. They kneeled down by her bed and prayed, and she was again released. She then asked for baptism, stating that she had been acting against her convictions of right in some conversations they had held with her during the day. They repaired to the water and, under the mantle of night, introduced the first souls from their labors into the Church through baptism. The Lord strengthened and comforted them with assurance that His power could sustain them while they trusted in Him.

Before arriving in Chipeway, the elders visited an old gentleman named Harrington who was suffering from severe pain in his head. Upon entering his home, they heard his groans from outside, laid hands on him, and rebuked the pain, which was instantly removed. Regarding Miss Smith, Amasa notes that she had previously had conversations with the elders during the day, which led to her conviction that she had been acting against her conscience.