Summary of "Standard of Truth" Podcast Episode S5E3: D&C 3 Part 1

Release Date: January 16, 2025

In episode S5E3 of the "Standard of Truth" podcast titled "D&C 3 Part 1," hosted by Dr. Garrett Dirkmont and co-hosted by Dr. Richard Leduc, the duo delves deep into Doctrine and Covenants Section 3. This episode offers a rich exploration of the earliest recorded revelation received by Joseph Smith, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of its historical context, challenges, and personal struggles faced by Joseph and his family.

1. Introduction to Doctrine and Covenants Section 3

Dr. Dirkmont opens the discussion by clarifying the significance of Section 3 in the Doctrine and Covenants, emphasizing that despite its placement as the third section, it represents the earliest recorded written revelation from Joseph Smith, dated July 1828—almost two years before the publication of the Book of Mormon and the formal organization of the Church.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [00:47]: "This was the earliest revelation that was written down at the time that it was received, July of 1828."

He underscores the weightiness of the content compared to other sections, noting the profound crises Joseph faced during this period.

2. Moving to Harmony, Pennsylvania

The narrative shifts to Joseph and Emma Smith’s relocation to Harmony, Pennsylvania, driven by escalating opposition in Palmyra. This move was facilitated by Emma’s father, Isaac Hale, marking the family's first independent home where Joseph began translating the plates.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [04:05]: "Joseph begins to do the things that a young married father does. He has to go out and get those fields planted and he has to, you know, put up fences and he has to find ways to make ends meet."

3. Life on the Homestead and Early Translation Efforts

In Harmony, Joseph and Emma settled on a 13.5-acre property adjacent to Isaac Hale's land, purchasing it for $200. Joseph engaged in typical homestead activities, such as farming and fencing, while Emma became the primary scribe for the early Book of Mormon translations, known as the Book of Lehi.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [10:08]: "Emma is going to be pregnant with their first child. And so all throughout early 1828, Emma is going to be getting increasingly larger as her time nears."

4. Martin Harris’s Role and Support

Martin Harris emerges as a pivotal figure, the sole supporter outside Joseph's immediate family. He not only finances part of their move to Harmony but also becomes actively involved in the translation process, assisting in writing down the revelations. This period marks a critical phase where Joseph grapples with limited support amidst personal and financial strains.

Dr. Richard Leduc [05:53]: "Yeah, tell me about it. When I first got married, very similar."

5. Opposition from Lucy Harris

A central conflict arises with Lucy Harris, Martin’s wife, who vehemently opposes Joseph Smith and the translation efforts. Initially supportive, Lucy’s inability to see the plates leads her to doubt their authenticity, culminating in intense opposition. She publicly denounces Joseph as a fraud, damaging Martin’s reputation and straining his marriage.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [19:36]: "Lucy Harris tells the story that as she's trying to find the plates that she runs into a snake that scared her and she ran off."

6. The Desperate Search for the Plates

Lucy's antagonism drives her to desperate measures. Upon arriving in Harmony, she ransacks Joseph and Emma's home, searching for the gold plates. Her relentless pursuit extends to digging up their yard, believing the plates might be buried, embodying the fervent opposition she harbors.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [25:13]: "She begins ransacking Emma's home. She begins going through every cupboard, opening every trunk, dumping everything out in a search to try to find the plates."

7. Emotional and Financial Strain on Joseph Smith

The dual pressures of opposition and personal tragedy weigh heavily on Joseph and Emma. Emma’s complicated childbirth results in the tragic loss of their firstborn, exacerbating Joseph’s anxiety about the manuscript entrusted to Martin Harris. This period highlights the immense sacrifices and hardships faced by the Smith family.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [46:15]: "Why did he have to take it all? I have long, long. Why?"

8. Joseph’s Decision to Share the Manuscript

Amidst the turmoil, Martin Harris requests to take the translated manuscript home to demonstrate its authenticity to his skeptical family and community. Despite Joseph’s initial reluctance, he eventually consents after divine instruction, allowing Martin to carry the 116 pages as a testament to the divine origin of the work.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [37:45]: "Accordingly, he was now fully prepared to set out for home, which he did, carrying with him 116 pages of the record in manuscript."

9. Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the profound emotional and spiritual challenges Joseph Smith faced during this period. They hint at further developments in the next part of the series, promising to recount the events that unfold from Joseph’s journey to retrieve the manuscript and the ensuing consequences.

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [65:19]: "And then it's about to get so much worse."

Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [66:08]: "Please just use the Scripture Mastery scriptures of Doctrine Covenant Section three. I think Doctrine Covenant Section three can be one of the most powerful revelations you will ever read if you fully understand the background behind it."

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [00:47]: "This was the earliest revelation that was written down at the time that it was received, July of 1828."

• Dr. Richard Leduc [05:53]: "Yeah, tell me about it. When I first got married, very similar."

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [19:36]: "Lucy Harris tells the story that as she's trying to find the plates that she runs into a snake that scared her and she ran off."

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [46:15]: "Why did he have to take it all? I have long, long. Why?"

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmont [65:19]: "And then it's about to get so much worse."

Final Thoughts

Episode S5E3 of the "Standard of Truth" podcast offers an intricate look into the early challenges of Joseph Smith’s prophetic mission, the personal sacrifices made by his family, and the formidable opposition from close quarters. Through engaging dialogue and historical analysis, Dr. Dirkmont and Dr. Leduc provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Doctrine and Covenants Section 3, setting the stage for further exploration in the subsequent episode.

For more insights and detailed discussions on Church history and doctrine, visit StandardOfTruth.com.