Oliver Cowdery's Secret Night Prayer — The Lord Manifests the Truth of the Plates (1829)

In early 1829, while boarding at the home of Joseph Smith, Sr., in Manchester, New York, Oliver Cowdery learned of the plates and became deeply interested in the work. He began importuning Joseph Smith, Sr., for information, eventually gaining his confidence to receive a sketch of the facts. One day, Oliver felt a distinct impression that he would have the privilege of writing for Joseph Smith, who was then in Harmony, Pennsylvania. He resolved to visit Joseph after his school term concluded in March. Before leaving, Oliver experienced a profound internal conviction; he prayed for a personal witness regarding the truth of the work. The Lord manifested the truth to him in a way that remained a secret between God and himself. In April, Oliver and Samuel Smith traveled through difficult, inclement weather to Harmony to meet Joseph. Upon his arrival, Oliver introduced himself to Joseph, saying, 'Mr. Smith, I have come for the purpose of writing for you.' This was not unexpected, as Joseph had previously received a revelation that a scribe would be sent. The two men began translating, and their efforts were later divinely confirmed when Joseph received a revelation explicitly identifying Oliver’s secret night prayer. This confirmation proved to Oliver that the work was of God, as no other living being had known of the incident.