| abstract
| - The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a response to an inquiry. Brigham Young (second president of the Church) related some of the circumstances leading up to the reception of the revelation: “The brethren came to that place for hundreds of miles to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen. When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, … and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean [the] floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco.” (Journal of Discourses, 12:158.) At first this revelation was not given as a commandment. An introduction was added describing it as "a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3) This allowed time for Church members to adjust to the principles contained in the revelation. In 1851 President Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all members formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom. His proposal was unanimously sustained by the membership of the Church, and since that day the revelation has been a binding commandment on all Church members. The Word of Wisdom has become one of the recognized and peculiar practices of members of the Church. Many people that are not members of Church know that members in good standing abstain from tobacco, coffee, tea, and all alcoholic beverages. Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of obeying the Word of Wisdom: in fact, Latter-day Saints have fewer incidences of heart problems, all forms of cancer, and other diseases because of their adherence to the Word of Wisdom. Many Saints live a longer life and enjoy a better quality of life than the populations in which they live. The Word of Wisdom lists numerous items which should be avoided or used. The things that are to be avoided are strong drink (liquor), tobacco, and hot drinks (tea and coffee). The Saints are then told that herbs and fruits should be used in their seasons, meat should be eaten sparingly, and that grain is the staff of life. If the Saints follow these instructions they are told that they will receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21).
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