Not a Complete Failure.--The Camp of Zion did not utterly fail. Indeed, there are good reasons for believing that it accomplished everything expected of it under the circumstances. And if this be true of the members of the Camp, it is also true of those whose relief and reinstatement were the announced purpose of the expedition. All Things Foreseen.--At all events, what occurred must have been foreseen. Divine prescience extends to all things connected with the Lord's work. When He commanded his people to build the New Jerusalem, he knew how much, or how little, they were capable of accomplishing in that direction--knew it just as well before as he did after. Such a thing as surprise or disappointment on his part is inconceivable. An all-wise, all-powerful Being who has created, peopled, redeemed and glorified "millions of earths like this," [7] is not one to be astounded by anything that happens on our little planet. [8] The Time Not Ripe.--The All-knowing One knew in advance what those Zion-builders would do, or leave undone, and he shaped his plans accordingly. Evidently the time was not ripe for Zion's redemption. The proof is in the trespasses committed by them against the divine laws ordained for their government. A Season of Waiting.--"In consequence of the transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that mine Elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion." So came the voice of the Lord to Zion's Camp, on Fishing River, Missouri. But this word of comfort came with it: "I have heard their prayers and will accept their offerings; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith." [9] "A Trial of Their Faith."--Such then, was the real purpose of the call for that expendition. More was not expected of the members of Zion's Camp, than a manifestation of willingness to do all that the Lord might require of them. No Endowments.--Another proof that Zion's redemption was not intended for that time, is found in another part of the same revelation: "And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high." [10] Take note that the Church had no "endowments" in 1834. There was no Temple that early, and the sacred ritual of the House of God, even if revealed to the Prophet, had not been made known to the people. Whether this was the endowment referred to in the revelation, or whether it meant something else, it is evident that the blessing spoken of was in the future. [11] Zion could not be redeemed until the Elders were "endowed with power from on High." And yet these same Elders, unendowed, had been sent forth to redeem Zion! Surely, the Lord did not design it then to be. Else would He not have endowed them beforehand? This admitted, and what becomes of their "failure?" They were blameworthy for their disobedience, but surely not for their failure to do what could not be done by men unendowed and consequently not equal to the undertaking.