Later in the month of April Joseph Smith paid a visit to the Knight family in Colesville, Broome County, N. Y. He had been on very friendly terms with Joseph Knight, Sen., and had been materially assisted by that gentleman from time to time, while translating the plates. Mr. Knight and his family were Universalists, with broad, liberal views. They were willing to reason in a friendly spirit with Joseph Smith on the scriptures. Several public meetings were held in Colesville which were attended by many friends and strangers. Newel Knight, son of Joseph Knight, Sen., was a regular attendant at these meetings, and seemed to be deeply impressed. He and the Prophet held many conversations on scriptural subjects and the plan of salvation, in which a favorable impression was made on the mind of Newel. He promised to assist Joseph in one of these meetings by offering vocal prayer, but when the time came his courage failed him. Later he expressed a desire to go out in the woods by himself and there, where he could be alone, offer vocal prayer, a thing to which he evidently was not accustomed. The following morning, in fulfilment of his promise, he retired into the woods alone, with a troubled conscience because of his failure to keep his promise on the previous occasion. Kneeling in a secluded spot he attempted to offer vocal prayer, but his lips were sealed. He could not pray. He began to feel uneasy and became troubled in both mind and body. When he arrived home his wife was greatly alarmed at his strange appearance. He requested her to send for Joseph, which was done. When he came he found Newel suffering very much; his visage was distorted, and his limbs were twisted out of shape in a frightful manner. Presently he was caught up from the floor and tossed about the room. The strange scene and excitement brought many of the neighbors to the house, who witnessed his peculiar malady. The First Miracle After some difficulty Joseph succeeded in taking Newel by the hand, and with great earnestness Newel pleaded with him to cast the devil out of him, for he knew he was possessed. The Prophet said, "If you know that I can, it shall be done." Then, almost unconsciously, he rebuked the evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ and commanded him to depart. Immediately Newel spoke, saying he saw the evil spirit leave him and vanish from his sight. This was the first miracle performed in this dispensation. As soon as the devil departed Newel became normal again, his distortions of body ceased, and the Spirit of the Lord opened his vision to a glorious manifestation of the heavens. Those who were present were greatly astonished when they saw the casting out of the devil, and the witness of the Spirit of the Lord. Nearly all of those who were present later became members of the Church. The First Conference of the Church