William W. Phelps Gains Testimony Through Joseph Smith's Powerful Teaching

In a letter dated from Kirtland, Ohio in 1835, William W. Phelps wrote to his wife, Sally, about a remarkable sermon delivered by Prophet Joseph Smith. He recorded: 'President Smith preached last Sabbath and I gave him the text; "This is my beloved son: hear ye him!" He preached one of the greatest sermons I ever heard; it was about 3 1/2 hours long--and unfolded more mysteries than I can write at this time.' This powerful teaching from the Prophet had a profound effect on William and reinforced his testimony. The fact that William, himself a learned and educated man who had served in political office before joining the Church, was so deeply impressed by Joseph's preaching demonstrates the spiritual power that accompanied the Prophet's words. The sermon unfolded mysteries of the gospel in a way that surpassed William's ability to describe them in writing, indicating profound spiritual truths were being revealed. This experience strengthened William's faith during the difficult period of building the Kirtland Temple.