Orson Pratt Recovered from Chills and Fever Through Faith

While on a mission in June 1831, Orson Pratt and his brother Parley were called to travel two by two from Ohio to the western boundaries of Missouri to preach the gospel. As Orson recorded: 'On our way we held about fifty meetings and baptized five in Peru, Delaware County, Missouri; the next day I was taken with the chills and fever which confined me to my bed a few weeks.' This serious illness struck Orson immediately after a successful missionary engagement, testing his faith and resilience. However, though 'still weak and feeble,' Orson demonstrated remarkable faith by continuing his ministry: 'About the first of October, though still weak and feeble, I started on foot for Ohio, in company with Asa Dodds, preaching by the way, as commanded of the Lord through the Prophet.' Despite his physical weakness, Orson's trust in the Lord's direction enabled him to continue preaching the gospel. He noted that 'Brother Dodds stopped in Indiana, but I continued my journey, although suffering much from the ague.' His recovery sufficiently advanced during this journey to allow him to travel hundreds of miles and continue missionary work. This account demonstrates how faith and obedience to divine direction can sustain the faithful through serious illness.