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We have been called upon by the Lord and his servants to keep the Word of Wisdom; it is time we did it.
The Word of Wisdom applies to Wilford Woodruff, the President of the Church, and it applies to all the leaders of Israel as well as to the members of the Church; and if there are any of these leading men who cannot refrain from using tobacco or liquor in violation of the Word of Wisdom, let them resign and others take their places. As leaders of Israel, we have no business to indulge in these things.
Source: G. Homer Durham, ed. The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1946. 176.
I have heard taught to the Latter-day Saints all my life that they should obey the Word of Wisdom. And I say that a bishop, a father of a ward, who so far forgets his duty and the example which he should set as to break the Word of Wisdom, is unworthy to occupy that position. If he does not repent, it is only a question of a short time before his resignation will be tendered to him, and he will have to accept it. The day is gone by when the Lord will trifle with the Latter-day Saints. He has said that His Spirit shall not always strive with man.
Source: Grant, Heber J., Gospel Standards, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 55.
Bishops, do not hesitate to ask the men and women whom you choose to teach our children the following direct questions:
Can you support the authorities of the Church? Are you in harmony with the bishopric? with the stake presidency? the General Authorities?
Do you keep the Word of Wisdom when you are out in society, on the street, or wherever you are?
Do you pay your tithing?
Do you keep the Sabbath day holy?
Are you honest in your dealings with your fellow men?
Do not hesitate to put these and other pertinent questions directly to teachers when you call them. Appeal to them and try to make them realize that to be a teacher is to be a leader, a co-partner with the Creator in molding souls.
Source: McKay, David O. Selections From the Discourses of David O. McKay: Ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1991. 259.