As Joseph Smith and his associates returned to Kirtland after visiting Missouri, and seeing the "center place of Zion," they experienced problems on the Missouri River. On Aug. 13, 1831, "many of the dangers so common upon the western waters manifested themselves and after we had encamped upon the bank of the river, at McIlwaine's Bend, Brother [William W.T Phelps, in open vision by daylight, saw the destroyer in his most horrible power, ride upon the face of the waters; others heard the noise, but saw not the vision," the Prophet recorded. (History of the Church 1:202-3.)
Later, the group was warned in a revelation that the adversary has some control over the elements."Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters; but in the last days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters.
"Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters." (D&C 61:14-15.)
