“Chapter 13: Joseph and Emma: July 1830,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories (2002), 51–55
“Chapter 13,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 51–55
Chapter 13
Joseph and Emma
July 1830
Joseph and Emma Smith lived on a small farm in Pennsylvania. They loved each other and worked hard to help each other.
Joseph and Emma endured many hardships. They had a baby boy, but he died. They were very sad.
Joseph worried about his family. They were poor, and he wanted to take care of them. He needed to plant crops so his family would have food.
Joseph also worried about the Church. Some people continued to make trouble for the Saints, and some Church leaders had to hide from them.
Sometimes Joseph had to leave home to help the Saints. Joseph was sorry to leave, and Emma worried when he went away.
Joseph prayed to know what he should do. Jesus told him not to be afraid of the people who were trying to hurt him. Jesus said Joseph should be patient in his afflictions. He said He would always help Joseph.
Jesus said Joseph should plant his crops and then go help the Saints in other areas. Jesus also told him not to worry about food, clothes, or money. The Saints would give him what he needed.
Jesus gave Joseph Smith a revelation for Emma. Jesus said Emma Smith was a special lady. He had chosen her to do important work.
Jesus said Emma should comfort Joseph when he had troubles. She should help him be happy and not worry.
Jesus said Emma should teach the Saints and help them learn the scriptures. He said the Holy Ghost would help her know what to teach.
Jesus also said Emma should use her time to study. She should learn and write many things.
Jesus asked Emma to choose songs for the Saints to sing. The songs would be printed in a songbook.
Heavenly Father loves to hear righteous people sing. Their songs are a prayer to Him, and these prayers will be answered with a blessing.
Jesus told Emma to be humble and to love her husband. He told her to be happy because of the blessings that would come to Joseph.
Jesus told Emma to be happy and rejoice. He also told her to keep her covenants. If she did, she would receive great blessings and be able to return to live with Him in heaven.
Jesus said that the things he told Emma Smith are for all people.