Elder D. Spencer's Prophetic Assurance and Strengthening of the Saints at Mormon Grove

At Mormon Grove, Kansas, the Saints were discouraged and fearful about their prospects for crossing the Plains due to inadequate means and the sudden policy change requiring some to remain. Upon his arrival, D. Spencer relayed that President F. D. Richards had anticipated their situation and sent him to assist in getting everyone to the Valley. Spencer also expressed his own strong faith that it would be accomplished, which immediately enlivened the spirits of the Saints and changed their countenances.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

At Mormon Grove, the Saints were much discouraged, and fearful that they would not be able to get to the Valley this season, as their means were so limited, and the policy of the Church had been so suddenly changed, requiring some to remain, that it was quite hard for them to be reconciled to stay. The change was so sudden, and the disappointment so great, it was quite hard for them to be reconciled to stay. It gave them much relief when I told them you had anticipated their situation, and had sent me over to assist Elder Snow in getting them all to the Valley this season, and that my faith was quite strong that it would be accomplished. This enlivened their spirits and changed their countenances immediately.