Podcast Summary: followHIM – Voices of the Restoration 4 • Emma Smith • Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat

Episode Details:

• Title: Voices of the Restoration 4 • Emma Smith • Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat • March 17 - 23 • Come Follow Me
• Release Date: March 17, 2025
• Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
• Guest: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat

1. Introduction

In this episode of followHIM, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the life of Emma Smith, the wife of Joseph Smith Jr., through a series titled Voices of the Restoration. Joining them is Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, a favorite guest who provides deep historical insights. The discussion aims to shed light on Emma Smith's personality, her pivotal role in the early Latter Day Saint movement, and the profound challenges she and Joseph faced during the Restoration period.

2. Historical Context and Joseph Smith’s Affection for Emma (00:58 – 09:51)

The episode begins with Hank Smith reading a poignant excerpt about Emma Smith from the Come Follow Me manual. This quote reflects Joseph Smith Jr.'s deep love and admiration for Emma during a tumultuous period in 1842:

Joseph Smith Jr. (00:58): "With what unspeakable delight and what transports of joy swelled my bosom when I took by the hand on that night. But my beloved Emma, she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth and the choice of my heart..."

Dr. Dirkmaat contextualizes this quote, explaining that it stems from a blessing Joseph provided during a time of intense persecution. In 1842, Joseph faced excommunication and threats from both external adversaries and internal apostates like John C. Bennett. The stress culminated in Joseph fleeing to Iowa, fearing for his life should he return to Missouri. Emma’s unwavering support during these times exemplified her strength and deep bond with Joseph.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (03:54): "Joseph's well aware that if he's taken back to Missouri, he's going to die. And he believes that for good reason."

3. Evolution of Joseph Smith’s Writing and Communication (13:34 – 15:02)

The hosts discuss the progression of Joseph Smith Jr.'s writing abilities. Initially criticized for his prose during the Book of Mormon translation, Joseph began employing scribes, notably Willard Richards, to assist in composing more coherent letters.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (14:02): "Joseph, by this point in his life, is regularly employing a scribe in these letters. It's not Joseph writing it. It's actually Joseph dictating it."

This collaboration improved the clarity of his written communications, although it sometimes led to frustrations due to Richards' notoriously poor handwriting.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (15:02): "Most of the time you're like, what is that? It's just like one letter in a squiggle."

4. Emma Smith’s Early Life and Marriage to Joseph Smith (16:12 – 34:16)

The conversation shifts to Emma Smith’s background and her marriage to Joseph Smith Jr. Emma hailed from the prominent Hale family in Harmony, Pennsylvania, which was involved in the local Methodist church. Despite societal expectations for women to marry within or above their social station, Emma chose Joseph, who was considered below her family's status due to their financial struggles and lack of property.

John Bytheway (16:19): "Joseph has his first vision. He's still a day laborer, so things are going kind of rough for him and feels like he's still a sinner."

Emma’s influence was instrumental in stabilizing Joseph, whose emotional and people-pleasing nature often left him in difficult situations. Their marriage was marked by mutual support amidst growing challenges, including financial hardships and external persecutions.

John Bytheway (14:16): "Emma helped ground Joseph. Joseph is being fixated on the here and now."

5. Emma’s Role During Joseph’s Missions and Early Translations (34:29 – 38:16)

Emma Smith played a crucial role in the translation of the Book of Mormon, acting as a primary scribe. Her dedication extended beyond her household duties, supporting Joseph’s prophetic missions despite severe personal and familial hardships. The couple faced relentless persecution, leading to the loss of their first child and the theft of the early manuscript pages by Martin Harris.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (34:38): "In the midst of all of that, Emma is near death. But she is the one that says to Joseph, you have to go back up to Palmyra and get them."

Emma’s steadfast faith and resilience were pivotal in sustaining Joseph’s mission during this formative period.

6. Love and Sacrifices in Their Marriage (34:16 – 48:48)

The episode highlights the profound love and sacrifices made by Emma and Joseph Smith Jr. Amidst financial ruin, social ostracism, and personal tragedies like the death of their children, their relationship remained a cornerstone of their strength. Dr. Dirkmaat compares this bond to his own relationship with his wife, emphasizing the unparalleled support Emma provided.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (48:48): "She thinks Joseph as being fundamentally honest and innocent. Emma’s conviction in Joseph's character shines through despite the immense pressures they faced."

Emma's decision to stand by Joseph, even advocating for retrieving the lost manuscript pages during Joseph’s incarceration, underscores her unwavering commitment and deep faith.

7. Letters from Joseph Smith During Persecution and Captivity (57:34 – 88:05)

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the letters Joseph Smith Jr. wrote to Emma during his imprisonment. These letters provide an intimate glimpse into his emotional state, fears, and his deep longing for his family amidst relentless persecution.

Joseph Smith Jr. (83:23): "My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever... I am your husband and I am in the bonds of tribulation."

Dr. Dirkmaat emphasizes the humanity displayed in these writings, portraying Joseph not as a man of vain assertions but as a deeply loving husband and father facing existential threats.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (88:05): "Anyone who reads that letter can feel the goodness of the person behind it writing it."

These correspondences reveal the immense psychological and emotional burdens Joseph bore, highlighting the resilience required to maintain his prophetic duties under such duress.

8. Emma’s Fortitude and Letters to Joseph (89:35 – 106:13)

Emma Smith's own letters reflect her incredible fortitude and unwavering faith in God. Despite losing multiple children, enduring social ostracism, and facing severe financial instability, Emma remained a pillar of strength for Joseph and their family.

Emma Smith (93:21): "I am still living and yet willing to suffer more if that is the will of kind heaven that I should for your sake."

Her letters convey a blend of personal anguish and steadfast belief, illustrating how her faith underpinned her ability to endure and support her family through unimaginable hardships.

Emma Smith (104:38): "I pray that God will keep you in purity and safety until we meet again."

Dr. Dirkmaat praises Emma’s resilience, noting that her ability to maintain faith amidst relentless suffering exemplifies her crucial role in the Restoration narrative.

9. Conclusion and Resources (106:13 – End)

As the episode concludes, the hosts and Dr. Dirkmaat reflect on the profound insights gained from studying Emma Smith's letters and the personal sacrifices she made. They emphasize the importance of primary sources, such as the letters available on the Joseph Smith Papers website, for a genuine understanding of historical figures.

Hank Smith (106:41): "If only somebody would just compile all of their letters... to get these insights and these real people."

They encourage listeners to explore these original documents to better appreciate the human aspects of the Restoration leaders, moving beyond popular narratives to uncover the true depth of their experiences and relationships.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joseph Smith Jr. (00:58):

  "With what unspeakable delight and what transports of joy swelled my bosom when I took by the hand on that night. But my beloved Emma, she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth and the choice of my heart..."

• Joseph Smith Jr. (57:34):

  "The iniquity of the people is printed upon every countenance."

• Emma Smith (93:21):

  "I am still living and yet willing to suffer more if that is the will of kind heaven that I should for your sake."

• Joseph Smith Jr. (88:05):

  "My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever... I am your husband and I am in the bonds of tribulation."

• Emma Smith (104:38):

  "I pray that God will keep you in purity and safety until we meet again."

Resources and Further Listening

• Show Notes: followhim.co
• YouTube Channel: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: Instagram.com/followhimpodcast
• Facebook: Facebook.com/followhimpodcast
• Joseph Smith Papers: josephsmithpapers.org

This episode of followHIM provides a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of Emma Smith’s life, her unwavering support for Joseph Smith Jr., and the immense challenges they faced together. Through detailed analysis and heartfelt discussions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Emma's pivotal role in the Restoration and the enduring legacy of their partnership.