Orson F. Whitney's Miraculous Sale of Land for Missionary Expenses

In the fall of 1876, Orson F. Whitney, a young man who aspired to a career on the stage, found himself in a state of discouragement. He had long harbored a desire to travel East to New York to pursue acting, and his mother—who shared his ambition—had promised to provide the necessary funds if she could succeed in selling a piece of land she owned. However, she found it impossible to dispose of the property, as every attempt to sell it was met with obstacles. Orson felt that his path was being hedged up. During the October conference, he received a call to serve a mission to the States. Though he had previously been reluctant to abandon his personal plans, he immediately signified his intention to accept the call. The response to his commitment was instantaneous: the land his mother had been unable to sell for some time was purchased without further trouble, and $150 was placed into his hands, providing the necessary funds for his travel and maintenance. Orson viewed this event as a direct result of his submission to the Lord's will, noting that while he had been attempting to go his own way, the Lord had blocked him; once he consented to go the Lord's way, the obstacles were removed. He later cited this as a clear instance of 'God’s overruling providence' and proof of the 'all but visible hand of God' guiding the lives of those who seek to serve Him.