Wilford Woodruff's Deliverance from Evil Spirits in London

While serving as a missionary in London in the autumn of 1840, Wilford Woodruff experienced intense spiritual opposition. Returning to London in mid-October to continue his ministry alongside George A. Smith, Woodruff found that the powers of darkness persisted in hindering their work. On October 18, 1840, while meditating upon the things of God until nearly 3:00 a.m. and forming a firm determination to warn the people of London and overcome the adversary by the assistance of God, a personage appeared to him. Woodruff recognized this manifestation as the 'Prince of Darkness' or the devil. The entity made war against him and attempted to take his life, catching him by the throat and choking him nearly to death. As the adversary was about to overcome him, Woodruff prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus for help. He was immediately granted power over the adversary, who then departed, though Woodruff remained 'much wounded' from the physical intensity of the encounter.