D&C Section Ninety Nine

This is a section about one of the typical, faith-filled members of the church at that time. John Murdock, whose wife had recently died, has been left with five young children, two of whom are newborn twins. On the same date those twins were born, the prophet's wife also gave birth to a set of twins. Emma's twins only lived three hours and when Sister Murdock passed away not long after the birth of her twins, Joseph and Emma took in the Murdock twins. Brother Murdock would have had no choice as to giving the twins up to someone who could nurse them. During the mobbing of Joseph when he is tarred and feathered, one of the adopted twins passed away due to exposure.

Now, four months later, Brother Murdock is called on a mission. But he is told he is not to go until his remaining children are provided for. They will stay with Bishop Partridge. I admire Brother Murdock's obedience to the priesthood in serving his mission, but I also believe that the mission was something that probably helped deal with his grief and move on. Brother Murdock fulfilled his mission and held many important church callings after this. One thing I can't imagine is the grief Emma felt in losing her twins, and then losing another baby who they had named Joseph Smith jr. shortly thereafter. The toughness of these people always inspires me.