Description
Depart!
On that night when Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee, after that momentous event the scriptural record seems to indicate that Jesus and the Twelve continued south down the Lake and landed in the region of Gadara. There they were met by a man possessed by a legion of devils. Jesus cast the devils out into the swine and the man was remarkably freed and healed. Devils, demons, possession, and sickness—does the Lord still do such wonders today?
October 14, 1831, somewhere near Colesville, New York. A meeting was held at the home of Hezekiah Peck in which Hyrum Smith preached with great power. At the close of the meeting four persons came forward requesting baptism.
Newel Knight writes that he and Hyrum were intending to spend the night at the home of one of the brethren nearby, when Newel said, “as we were ready to start, the Spirit whispered to me that I should tarry there at my uncle’s all night. I did so, and retired to bed.”
About midnight, Newel’s uncle came into the room and woke Newel, telling him that his wife, Newel’s aunt, was very ill and about to die. Newel arose and dressed, asking God for wisdom and power. He described what happened when he entered the room:
“She was in a most fearful condition; her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be in the last agonies of death. Presently she opened her eyes, and bade her husband and children farewell, telling them she must die for the redemption of this generation, as Jesus Christ had died for the generation in His day. Her whole frame shook, and she appeared to be racked with the most exquisite pain and torment; her hands and feet were cold, and the blood settled in her fingers; while her husband and children stood weeping around her bed. This was a scene new to me, and I felt she was suffering under the power of Satan…. I now cried unto the Lord for strength and wisdom that we might prevail over this wicked and delusive power. Just at this time my uncle cried aloud to me, saying: ‘O, Brother Newel, cannot something be done?’
I felt the Holy Spirit of the Lord rest upon me as he said this, and I immediately stepped forward, took her by the hand, and commanded Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to depart. I told my aunt she would not die, but that she should live to see her children grown up; that Satan had deceived her, and put a lying spirit in her mouth; that Christ had made the only and last atonement for all who would believe on His name; and that there should be no more shedding of blood for sin. She believed and stretched forth her hand, and cried unto me.”
She was freed immediately and healed.
Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet called of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as surely as was Peter, to restore the Savior’s original Church and priesthood authority to the earth, and just as the Lord’s disciples went forth marveling at the miracles they were able to perform in His name—so to it has happened in our day—and still does!
Source: The Autobiography of Newel Knight found at https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWJP-CMX
