Low provisions intensify saints' trials in exodus
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For months, Brigham Young and other leaders anticipated the removal of the saints from Nauvoo.
At the October 1845 conference, President Young directed the members in covenanting they would "take all the saints with us, to the extent of our ability, that is, our influence and property."After the motion was carried, President Young promised the members: "If you will be faithful to your covenant, I will prophesy that the Great God will shower down means upon this people to accomplish it to the very letter."
Although the members had been instructed to lay in stores of food and other supplies for their westward trek, many were inadequately prepared for the journey, which commenced nearly three months earlier than they had anticipated.
Once the refugees arrived at Sugar Creek, a temporary camp set up on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, it was discovered that many saints had provisions to last only a few days. Those who had adequate provisions shared with those who were destitute.
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the gospel doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: History of the Church, Vol. 7; The Kingdom of God Restored, by Carter E. Grant; and Essentials in Church History, by Joseph Fielding Smith.
