Baptismal Blessing - Fiery Sensation and Heavenly Influence

On the evening after his baptism by Parley P. Pratt in October 1830, Philo Dibble felt a sensation like a hand upon his left shoulder, followed by fibers of fire that enveloped his entire body. The sensation passed from his right shoulder across his breast to his left shoulder, struck his collar bone, and went to the pit of his stomach. Dibble was enveloped in a heavenly influence and could not sleep for joy, testifying to the reality of the gift of the Holy Ghost that follows baptism.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

I paid no heed to her, but went forthwith and was baptized by Parley P. Pratt. This was on the 16th of October, 1830. When I came out of the water, I knew that I had been born of water and of the spirit, for my mind was illuminated with the Holy Ghost. I spent that evening at Dr. F. G. Williams'. He was not then a member of the Church, but he had the Bible in his house and we spent the evening reading it. I sat in a chair, and felt a sensation like a hand upon my left shoulder, and a sensation like fire, which passed over my body. It passed over my right shoulder, across my breast, and down to my left shoulder, and struck my collar bone, and went to the pit of my stomach. I felt as though I was enveloped in a heavenly influence, and I could not sleep for joy. I felt as though I was in the presence of the Lord, and I was filled with the Holy Ghost.