Joseph and Emma's House

The full title should be "Joseph and Emma's House: The Rest of the Story."

In Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class this year, we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants. I learned the most interesting stories about D&C 51 through D&C 64 while listening to a show on BYU-TV a few months ago. Pay close attention to the dates in the following story, and try to understand all the things that were going on in Joseph Smith's personal life while he was receiving these revelations.

In March 1831 the Prophet Joseph asked the Lord how the Church should acquire lands for the settlement of the Saints moving into the Kirtland, Ohio area. (D&C 48, including heading) The Lord tells them that the land in Ohio is consecrated unto them "for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence" (D&C 51:16). The Saints in Seneca County were assigned to live on the Isaac Morley farm, where they erected log cabins and planted crops.

Joseph and Sidney Rigdon diligently continued their work translating the Bible almost daily throughout the spring in a small house constructed for Joseph and Emma on Isaac Morley's farm.

At this time Emma went into labor...On April 30 1831 she delivered twins, but they only lived three hours. She and Joseph subsequently adopted twins born on May 1, whose mother had died.

On June 7, 1831, after the end of a conference in Kirtland, the following was revealed:

"Let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes and journey to the land of Missouri." (D&C 52:3).

This was a 1000 mile journey, and they started on the trip only twelve days later on June 19, 1831. Joseph Smith and others travelled to Missouri, where on July 20, 1831 it was revealed that Independence, Missouri was the promised city of Zion. (D&C 57:1,3)

Joseph was commanded

"that the land should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward...inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands...buy lands in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct." (D&C 57:4-6)

In 1831 whole sections of the undeveloped country of Missouri could be purchased for $1.25 per acre. The Lord directed the brethren to purchase as much land as they were able (see D&C 58:37, 58:52; 63:27)

They arrived back in Kirtland on August 27, 1831, and soon after, the Prophet inquired of the Lord for further information about the gathering of the Saints and the purchase of the land of Zion. (heading Sect. 63) Joseph was wondering where they would get the money to buy all that land in Missouri. I can only imagine Joseph's shock when the Lord commanded him to sell the Isaac Morley farm (which contained Joseph's and Emma's brand new house) and use that money to buy the Missouri land. (D&C 63:38-40)

And then the Lord states the obvious,

"Let my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home..." D&C 63:65.

I wonder how Joseph felt when he had to tell Emma about their upcoming move.

Section 64 was given on Sept. 11, 1931. The section heading says "The Prophet was preparing to move to Hiram, Ohio...at this busy time, the revelation was received." They had only arrived in Kirtland from Missouri on Aug. 27, were told to sell the land "in late August", and only two weeks later (Sept. 1831) moved in with the John Johnson family for about six months.

Now when you see the verses written during this time of the Prophet's life, and know that he has recently lost two babies, gone on a very long journey, and had to move out of their brand new home, these verses have so many deeper meanings.

D&C 58:4 For after much tribulation come the blessings.
D&C 63:20 He that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome...
D&C 63:47 He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.
D&C 64:22 I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men.
D&C 64:34 The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind...

It seems reasonable that after these great sacrifices, Joseph was more worthy to receive the Visions of the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms (D&C 76), which he received while living at the Johnson's farm Feb. 16, 1832.

Sources: Church History in the Fulness of Times, Religion 341-343 Institute manual p. 99, 100, 103, 106 , 107,113 and Doctrine and Covenants.