oseph went to a town called Colesville, in Broome
county, N.Y., not far from Pennsylvania to visit his friend Joseph Knight
who had aided him when he was at work on the Book of Mormon. Joseph held a
number of meetings in this place and made some friends. Among those who
attended these meetings was Newel Knight, son of Joseph Knight. This young
man had many talks with Joseph about the gospel, but still he kept putting
off doing his duty in being baptized. Because of this the evil one got
power over him and treated him so badly that the prophet was sent for. When
Joseph arrived he found his friend Newel acting strangely. His face and
body twisted in an awful manner and at last he was actually caught up from
the floor and tossed about. Many of the neighbors now came in, but they
could do nothing to help the suffering man.

[Illustration: Map of Fayette and Kirtland]

When Joseph managed to get hold of Newel's hand, he became still and spoke
to Joseph, asking him to cast the devil from him.

"If you know that I can, it shall be done," replied Joseph, whereupon he
commanded the evil one in the name of Jesus Christ to depart. Newel became
all right again at once, and was greatly blessed by the Spirit of God. The
people present wondered greatly at what they had seen, and many of them
afterwards joined the Church.

This was the first miracle performed in the Church. Jesus had said to his
apostles in his day: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. * *
* And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they
cast out devils," etc. Thus we see the same signs following the believer in
our day the same as in the days of the first apostles.

On the first of June, 1830, the first conference, of the Church was held in
Fayette. There were about thirty members present besides many others who
came to hear. The Spirit of God was greatly enjoyed at this meeting. Many
prophesied, while others had beautiful visions of the heavens opened to
their eyes.

Topics.--1. Organization of the Church. 2. First meeting, sermon and
conference. 3. First miracle.

Questions and Review.--1. When and where was the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints organized? 2. Name the first six members. 3. What was
done at that meeting? 4. How many members are there in the Church today? 5.
How did you become a member of the Church? 6. Describe the first miracle.
7. How was the evil one cast out in former days? (See Acts 16: 16, 18