In February of 1831, the Lord having just previously commanded the people of the church to gather to Ohio, Joseph and Emma arrive (first) in Kirtland.  Two months later Emma gives birth to twins, both of whom die within a few hours.  Shortly thereafter Joseph and Julia Murdock’s twins are born but Julia dies in childbirth, and Joseph gives the twins to Joseph and Emma, who adopt them.  Their names are Joseph Smith Murdock (Smith) and Julia Murdock (Smith). 

Joseph is instructed by the Lord to translate the bible, and selects as his scribe Sidney Rigdon, a recent convert from Ohio and Parley P. Pratt’s former minister and friend. 

When Joseph and Emma first came to Ohio they lived in Kirtland on the upper floor of Newell K. Whitney’s store.  There were many visitors and it became very difficult for Joseph to translate.  A way opened for them to go to a nearby town called Hiram and stay in the home of John and Elsa Johnson. 

The Johnsons had joined the church just previously.  “Father” John Johnson had been curious about Joseph Smith and the Church, Joseph had visited him (with John’s Methodist minister Ezra Booth present) and Joseph had been an instrument in healing Elsa’s arm.  John, Elsa, and Ezra had been baptized. 

Ezra had been called on a mission back to Hiram, a result of which was that a local Campbellite minister named Symonds Ryder was converted.  Symonds, the wealthiest man in town in terms of land and a prominent citizen, is called on a mission replacing a 17-year-old who had changed his mind, and asks for Joseph to write out his ordination certificate.  In it Joseph misspells his name, Symonds reasons he can’t be a true prophet and at least partly for this reason apostatizes.  Ezra also apostatizes, sending a series of letters to the Ohio Star with his grievances.

Ok this is taking too long.  Summarizing more:  After Joseph receives the glorious revelation on the kingdoms of glory (Section 76) he is tarred and feathered by Symonds and others, which, to be clear, is an attempt on his life, he survives. 

The story is really interesting, so I hope you can listen!  Have a great one!

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