Get to Know Joseph Smith Part 7: Joseph Waits
During the four years that Joseph Smith waited to receive the gold plates, he was not idle. The Lord was preparing him through repeated instruction. Joseph would share these sacred experiences and teachings with his family, who listened with reverence and faith. His mother, Lucy Mack Smith, after recorded these tender and spiritually rich moments in their home:
“I presume our family presented an aspect as singular as any that ever lived upon the face of the earth-all seated in a circle, father mother, sons and daughters, and giving the most profound attention to a boy, eighteen years of age, who had never read the Bible through in his life…”
Tragedy Strikes
During that same period Joseph’s family experienced a tragedy. On November 15, 1823, Joseph’s older brother, Alvin, suddenly became ill with what was diagnosed as bilious colic, a severe and painful stomach condition.
Joseph Smith Sr. immediately sought medical help and brought in a Dr. Greenwood, who prescribed a heavy dose of calomel, a common treatment for the time, but tragically, calomel is a compound containing mercury. Alvin initially refused to take the medicine, but eventually after some persuasion, he relented. His condition continued to worsen, and three days later, the Smith family’s regular doctor arrived, accompanied by four other eminent physicians. They determined that the calomel had become lodged in Alvin’s intestines, and all attempts to remove it failed.
As it became clear that Alvin would not recover, he gathered his family and he gave his final words to each family member. His message to Joseph was poignant, he said:
“I want you to be a good boy, and do everything that lies in your power to obtain the Record. Be faithful in receiving instruction, and in keeping every commandment that is given to you.
Alvin died on November 19, 1823.
Joseph and Emma
In 1825, Joseph accepted work in Harmony, Pennsylvania, for a man named Josiah Stowell. Stowell had heard rumors of a hidden a cache of silver left behind by explorers, and he believed Joseph, who was reputed to have a gift for finding things, might help him locate the treasure. Joseph signed a contract of employment with Josiah Stowell and a local farmer, Isaac Hale served as a witness.
It was there that Joseph met Isaac’s 21 year old daughter, Emma Hale. As their friendship blossomed Emma’s parents, particularly her father, became concerned about the couple’s involvement. They had hoped that Emma would marry a more established and prosperous young men. He also distrusted Joseph’s role in the treasure hunt.
Despite the Hale family’s disapproval, Joseph knew that Emma was the one he wanted to marry. In January of 1827, while still living and working the Stowell household, Joseph proposed to Emma. She was torn between her devotion to her parents and her growing love and desire to marry Joseph.
And Emma and Joseph Smith Lived …… Ever After
On January 18, 1827, Joseph and Emma made a courageous decision: they eloped. They were married at the home of the local justice of the peace, with full knowledge that they did so without the blessing of Emma’s family.
After their wedding, the newlyweds moved to Manchester, New York, where they lived with Joseph’s parents. This new chapter marked not only the beginning of their marriage but also a sacred partnership that would support the unfolding of the Restoration. Emma would prove to be a pillar of strength and loyalty in the years to come, standing by Joseph Smith through revelation, persecution, and miracles.
Read more about Emma Smith at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints official site churchofjesuschrist.org
Continue reading with Getting to Know Joseph Smith Part 8: He Receives the Plates
Image credit: Screenshots of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints film Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration Watch it here
