When someone died in the wilderness of frontier America, that person's physical remains were buried and the handcarts continued west, but the mourning survivors had hope for their loved one's eternal soul. However, when someone dies spiritually in the wilderness of sin, hope may be replaced by dread and fear for the loved one's eternal welfare.

The quote by James E. Faust reflects the contrast between physical and spiritual death in two distinct contexts: frontier America and spiritual wilderness. In the harsh environment of frontier America, when someone passed away, the survivors would bury the body and continue their journey westward, focused on survival and the journey ahead. Despite their grief, they found hope for the deceased's eternal soul, believing in a spiritual peace after death, even if their loved one’s body was left behind.

In contrast, spiritual death represents a state of sin or separation from divine grace, where a person's soul is believed to be in peril. Unlike the hopeful understanding of eternal peace that guided the survivors on the frontier, those dealing with spiritual death might face dread and fear for their loved one's eternal welfare. The uncertainty of the afterlife becomes a source of deep concern when sin is involved, leaving no comfort in the same way the pioneers found solace in their faith.

The comparison serves to emphasize the difference between physical death, which can be dealt with through actions like burial and moving forward, and spiritual death, which may leave individuals feeling helpless and consumed by fear of the consequences of their loved one’s moral choices. Faust underscores the importance of hope in navigating both types of death, but points out the distinct emotional impacts these experiences can have on the living.

By exploring these two forms of death, Faust invites reflection on the role of hope in the face of grief and loss, especially when spiritual concerns come into play. The frontier metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the comfort faith can provide in times of loss, but also warns of the serious spiritual consequences when someone loses their way in life.