Here would be an aged sire in Israel walking painfully, supported by a son or daughter; there a mother carrying a child at her breast, with others holding by her skirts; a few went on crutches.
As they toiled painfully forward in this wise, they were heartened by a visit from a number of Elders who overtook them in returning to the valley.

These good men counselled them to be faithful, prayerful, and obedient to their leader in all things, prophesying that they should reach Zion in safety,--that though it might storm on their right and on their left, the Lord would open their way before them.

They cried "Amen!" to this, and, at the request of the Elders, killed one of their few remaining cattle for them, cheering them as they drove on in the morning in their carriages.
They took up the march with new courage; but then in a few days came a new danger to threaten them,--the cold.

A rule made by Brigham had limited each cart's outfit of clothing and bedding to seventeen pounds.
This had now become insufficient.

As they advanced up the Sweetwater, the mountains on either side took on snow.