Stepping-Stones and Stumbling Blocks - BYU Speeches

1 Stepping-Stones and Stumbling Blocks STEVEN E. SNOW. D uring the westward migration, early pioneers encountered landmarks that marked the progress of their journey west. icy river during a fast-approaching storm. Because of the weakness of the teams that pulled wagons accompanying the handcart Prominent rock formations such as Chimney company, all of the sick who were able to walk Rock and Independence Rock are examples of were required to enter the icy water. Thomas such landmarks. Durham recorded, All the sick that could Such features have special prominence in walk at all had to get out of the wagons and our own Church history.

2 Rocky Ridge and walk through the river, some of them fall- Rock Creek Hollow have deep meaning for the ing down in the river several times, not being handcart pioneers who struggled across the able to stand up in it being so weak (Thomas high plains of Wyoming in early snowstorms Durham journal, 1854 1871, 15). that terrible winter of 1856. While the place of crossing was a known Hole-in-the-Rock and Dance Hall Rock location to ford the river, the freezing water bring to mind the tenacious faith of those was at least waist deep to most of the 200 to called to settle southeastern Utah.

3 Their expe- 300 souls who waded and swam the river. dition stymied by towering cliffs overlooking Josiah Rogerson recalled the experience the Colorado River, these courageous settlers years later by writing, I rolled up my trousers built a road through a cleft in the cliff wall, and waded that cold river, six or eight rods which even today seems to defy possibility. wide, slipping betimes off the smooth stones My remarks today involve other kinds of and boulders into deeper water ( Strong Men, rocks. I would like to speak of the stepping - Brave Women and Sturdy Children Crossed stones and Stumbling Blocks that define our the Wilderness Afoot, in Salt Lake Tribune, own spiritual journey through life.)

4 4 January 1914, ). On October 19, 1856, nearly two weeks before the terrible days at Martin's Cove, the Martin Handcart Company faced the pros- Steven E. Snow was a member of the Quorum of the pect of making their last crossing of the Platte Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day River. Extremely low on food and supplies, Saints when this devotional address was given on they also faced the prospect of crossing the 11 September 2012. INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. 1. 2 Brigham Young University 2012 2013 Speeches Between the last crossing of the Platte River Why do some wander off and become lost?

5 And the arrival of the advance party of rescu- Why are some ashamed and fall away into ers, fifty-six members of the handcart company forbidden paths and become lost? (See 1 Nephi perished. Many more lost their lives during 8:23, 28.) Others, however, like Francis Webster, those horrible days at Martin's Cove as they find their faith strengthened and their devo- waited for the main rescue party. tion increased. Because of the horrible suffering experi- How do we turn adversity into a stepping - enced by the Willie and Martin handcart com- stone and not a Stumbling block ?

6 How can panies, a few of the survivors lost their faith we make a bad experience become a learning and left the Church. But to many who suffered, experience? Part of the answer lies in perspec- this experience proved to be the refiner's fire. tive. How we choose to lead our lives and Forty-eight years later, in a Sunday School how we make faith part of our lives ultimately class in Cedar City, Utah, class members were helps us face the challenges that come to every- offering criticism of the Church and its leaders one in this earthly existence.

7 For permitting the handcart companies to cross In Hebrews 11:1 we read: Now faith is the the plains so poorly equipped and so late in substance of things hoped for, the evidence of the season. Francis Webster, now an old man, things not seen.. listened as long as he could and then stood and The Joseph Smith Translation gives us said the following: further insight into this scripture. The Prophet teaches us that faith leads to an assurance. This I ask you to stop this criticism for you are discuss- assurance begins with a belief, or, as Alma ing a matter you know nothing about.

8 Mistake described it in the Book of Mormon, a desire to send the handcart company out so late in the to believe (Alma 32:27). In order for belief to season? Yes. But I was in that company and my become assurance, it requires action on our wife was in it.. We suffered beyond anything part. Every missionary knows an investigator you can imagine and many died of exposure and must take action before obtaining a testimony, starvation. But did you ever hear a survivor of that even if that investigator has a strong desire company utter a word of criticism?

9 Every one of to believe. Someone who hears the gospel for us came through with the absolute knowledge that the first time must not just believe but must God lives, for we became acquainted with him in our take action for there to be a witness or assur- extremities.. ance. For a new investigator this means study, Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? prayer, and attending Church. Only after No. Neither then nor one moment of my life since. making commitments and acting upon them The price we paid to become acquainted with God does an investigator obtain a testimony of the was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was restored gospel.

10 These actions become a series privileged to come to Zion in the Martin Handcart of Stepping-Stones leading to a testimony. Company. [William R. Palmer, Pioneers of The pattern is the same with those of us Southern Utah: VI. Francis Webster, Instructor, who have been in the Church for many years. May 1944, 217 18; see also David O. McKay, We must continue to step forward on the Pioneer Women, Relief Society Magazine, Stepping-Stones that will increase our faith. January 1948, 8] As our study and prayer continue, we accept new callings in the Church that cause us to How can there be such different responses stretch and grow.