Encouragement for Elder Morse

While visiting at the house of Elder Washington Morse, the burden did not leave me, but I did not yet feel sufficiently strong to bear my testimony, which would have placed the oppressive burden upon those to whom it belonged.LSMS 104.3

During our stay at this house, I was very ill, prayer was offered in my behalf, and the Spirit of God rested upon me.LSMS 104.4

I was taken off in vision, and some things were shown me concerning the case of Elder Morse in connection with the disappointment of 1844.LSMS 105.1

Elder Morse had been firm and consistent in the belief that the Lord would come at that time; but when the period passed without bringing the event expected, he was perplexed and unable to explain the delay. Although bitterly disappointed, he did not renounce his faith, as some did, calling it a fanatical delusion; but he was bewildered, and could not understand the position of God's people on prophetic time. He had been so earnest in declaring that the coming of the Lord was near, that when the time passed, he was despondent, and did nothing to encourage the disappointed people, who were like sheep without a shepherd, left to be devoured of wolves.LSMS 105.2