The lesson taught to Joseph Smith on this occasion was one of lasting benefit to him. Henceforth he understood the power of the evil one and was prepared to resist temptation. Years afterwards, when speaking of this event he said, "Ever afterwards I was willing to keep the commandments of God." Had the lesson not been taught in this manner, at a later day he might have fallen into temptation when off his guard, with results that would have brought disaster. The Interval of Four Years During the interval of four years, from 1823 to 1827, Joseph Smith was under the necessity of aiding his father's family in paying their debts and procuring a living. At times he found employment at home and at times abroad, as opportunity afforded. The death of his oldest brother Alvin, in 1824, made it all the more needful that he exert himself for the benefit of the family. In October, 1825, he entered the employ of an aged gentleman named Josiah Stowel. Mr. Stowel had heard of some old Spanish silver mines in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and employed his hired help in searching for the hidden treasure. Joseph, after about one month of fruitless search, persuaded this kindly gentleman to forsake the foolish venture. From this employment came the cry that Joseph Smith, the "Mormon" Prophet, was a "money-digger." The Prophet's Marriage While residing in Harmony and in the employment of Mr. Stowel, Joseph boarded at the home of Mr. Isaac Hale. It was here, and under these conditions, that he met Miss Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac Hale. The friendship of these young people ripened into love, and they were married about one year and three months later, January 18, 1827, by Squire Tarbill, in South Bainbridge, New York. Notes 1. The following description of Cumorah is from the pen of Oliver Cowdery: