D&C Project- Emma Smith

D&C 25:2-3

‘And if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion’

‘Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.’

When I read these verses, it made me more curious about the life of Emma Smith.

Q: What made her an elect lady?

Emma was called “an elect lady.” She was a chosen vessel of the Lord. Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘If Thou Art Faithful’,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 89)

Emma was obedient: “She had moved seven times in the first four years of marriage and was just recovering from a month-long illness in addition to being six months pregnant. At the end of January 1831, Joseph and Emma Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Edward Partridge set out for Kirtland.” (Church History in the Fullness of Times, p.90)

Emma was patient: “She had not yet recovered from her illness and the arduous midwinter journey from New York. On 30 April she delivered twins, but they only lived three hours. She and Joseph had now lost all three children born to them.” (Church History in the Fullness of Times, p.99)

Emma had faith: “Having stayed up late to care for his adopted infant son, who was sick with the measles, Joseph had finally fallen asleep on a trundle bed. The next thing he knew he was being dragged out the door, amid Emma’s screams. He struggled but was overpowered. The mob ridiculed him, choked him, stripped him, and tried to force a vial of acid into his mouth, which chipped one of his teeth, causing him thereafter to speak with a slight whistle. They daubed tar all over his body, covered him with feathers, and left him suffering. When Joseph finally made his way back to the house, Emma fainted at the sight of the tar, which she mistook for blood. During the night of the incident, the door to the Johnson home was left open; the infant, Joseph Smith, caught cold and died five days later. (Church History in the Fullness of Times, p.115)

Emma sacrificed: “When the party arrived at the Mississippi they found the river frozen over. Rather than risk the weight of the wagon, Emma walked across the ice holding two children, with the other two clinging to her skirt.” (Church History in the Fullness of Times, p.213)

Q: How can I be more faithful and walk in the paths of virtue?

“In very large measure each of us holds the key to the blessings of the Almighty upon us. If we wish the blessing, we must pay the price. A part of that price lies in being faithful. Faithful to what? Faithful to ourselves, to the very best that is within us. No woman can afford to demean herself, to belittle herself, to downgrade her abilities or her capacities. Let each be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within her. Be faithful to the gospel. Be faithful to the Church. Be faithful to Him. He is the one true source of your strength. He is your Father in Heaven. He lives. He hears and answers prayers. Be faithful to God.”

“There is nothing more beautiful than virtue. There is no other strength that is greater than the strength of virtue. There is no other nobility equal to the nobility of virtue. There is no other quality so becoming, no attire so attractive.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘If Thou Art Faithful’,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 89)

Q: Did she remain faithful and elect?

Some of Joseph Smith’s own family did not follow the Twelve. The Prophet’s widow, Emma, could not be reconciled with the Twelve on economic and theological matters. She became embittered and influenced her children against following the direction of the Twelve. When the Saints made their exodus to the West, Emma and her family stayed in Nauvoo. (Church History in the Fullness of Times, p.295)

Although Emma chose to stay in Nauvoo, I believe the Lord knew her heart. She endured so much as the Prophet’s wife and sacrificed much for the Church. By studying Emma’s life, I have gained a greater appreciation for her and the Prophet Joseph Smith. They are such amazing examples of virtue and faith. Their trials make mine seem small.

I want to be an elect lady by sacrificing more. I will sacrifice my time by attending the temple.