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This Word of Wisdom prohibits the use of hot drinks and tobacco. I have heard it argued that tea and coffee are not mentioned therein; that is very true; but what were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and coffee -- the beverages in common use. And the Lord said hot drinks are not good for the body nor the belly, liquor is not good for the body nor the belly, but for the washing of the body, etc. Tobacco is not good, save for sick cattle, and for bruises and sores, its cleansing properties being then very useful.
I know that some say the revelations upon these points are not given by way of commandment. Very well, but we are commanded to observe every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Source: John A. Widtsoe Smith, ed. Discourses of Brigham Young, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978. 182-183.
In the early history of the Church, there were members who tried to justify the use of tea and coffee by the fact that these beverages are not specified in the revelation, and even today there are people who sing this same lullaby to their conscience. On these points the statement of Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, is most pertinent. In a sermon on the Word of Wisdom, delivered in the year 1842, he said:
". . . Tobacco is a nauseous, stinking, abominable thing, and I am surprised that any human being should think of using it. For an elder especially to eat, or smoke it, is a disgrace to him; -- he is not fit for the office, he ought first to learn to keep the word of wisdom, and then to teach others. God will not prosper the man who uses it. And again, `hot drinks are not for the body, or belly.' There are many who wonder what this can mean, whether it refers to tea or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea and coffee. . . ."
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. 374 - 375.