The First Miracle of the Church — Joseph Smith Casts a Devil from Newel Knight

In April 1830, just days after the formal organization of the Church, a young man named Newel Knight visited Joseph Smith in Colesville, Broome County, New York. Knight had promised Joseph he would pray aloud at a meeting but, when the moment came, his heart failed him and he refused, saying he would pray privately in the woods.

The next morning, when Knight attempted to pray in the woods, he was overwhelmed with guilt for not fulfilling his promise. He grew increasingly uneasy and his condition worsened rapidly. Returning home, his appearance alarmed his wife. He sent for Joseph Smith.

When Joseph arrived, he found Newel 'in a sad condition and suffering greatly. His visage and limbs were distorted and twisted in every shape imaginable. At last he was caught up off the floor and tossed about most fearfully.' Neighbors came running.

Joseph succeeded in taking Newel's hand. Newel immediately said he knew he was possessed of the devil and that Joseph had power to cast him out. Joseph replied, 'If you know I can, it shall be done,' and then — almost unconsciously — he rebuked Satan and commanded him to depart. Immediately, Newel's contortions ceased. He said he saw the devil leave him and vanish.

Joseph Smith himself wrote of this event: 'This was the first miracle which was done in this church, or by any member of it; and it was done not by man, nor by the power of man, but it was done by God, and by the power of Godliness; therefore let the honor and praise, the dominion and the glory, be ascribed to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.'