I was at Joseph Smith’s when the Word of Wisdom was given and have
strictly harkened to its precepts from that day to the present, by not using
tobacco, strong drinks of any kind, teas or coffee, and but a very little
flesh. (Joel
H. Johnson autobiographical sketch, c. 1879, p. 3)
THE WORD OF WISDOM.
I was with Joseph Smith, the Prophet, when the Word of Wisdom was
given by revelation from the Lord, February 27, 1833, and I think, I am the
only man now living who was present.
I was then thirty one years of age, and had used tobacco somewhat
extravagantly for fifteen years. I always used some strong drink, and tea and
coffee.
I knew that God had spoken and condemned the use of these things, and,
bring determined to live by every word that proceeded from His mouth, I laid
them all aside, and have not used them since.
I well remember that, soon after the publication of the Word of
Wisdom, the same excuse was made, by some of the people, for drinking tea and
coffee that is now made—that hot drinks did not mean tea and coffee.
On a Sabbath day, in the July following the giving of the revelation,
when both Joseph and Hyrum Smith were in the stand, the Prophet said to the
Saints:
“I understand that some of the people are excusing themselves in using
tea and coffee, because the Lord only said ‘hot drinks’ in the revelation of the
Word of Wisdom.
“The Lord was showing us what was good for man to eat and drink. Now,
what do we drink when we take our meals?
“Tea and coffee. Is it not?
“Yes: tea and coffee.
“Then, they same what the Lord meant when He said ‘hot drinks.’”
Brother Hyrum Smith spoke to the same effect.
It is said all wholesome herbs are ordained for the use of man. Physicians
tell us that tea and coffee are not wholesome. And the Lord says they are not for
the body or the belly.
When children see that their parents slight the Word of Wisdom, they
are apt to follow their example.
I have recorded this testimony that all who read it may be without
excuse. How pleasant it would be at last, if we could say to our Heavenly
Father, “I have obeyed all your counsels,” and hear these kind words in return:
“Well done! thou hast been faithful over a few things, be thou ruler over many.”
(Joel H. Johnson, Voice
from the Mountains, Being a Testimony of the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, as Revealed by the Lord to Joseph Smith, Jr. [Salt Lake City:
Juvenile Instructor Office, 1881], 12-13)
