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Nine years after he declared the Word of Wisdom a commandment from the Lord, Brigham Young (second prophet) gave a speech on March 10, 1860:
I have my weakness, and you have yours; but if I am inclined to do that which is wrong, I will not make my wrong a means of leading others astray. Many of the brethren chew tobacco, and I have advised them to be modest about it. do not take out a whole plug of tobacco in meeting before the eyes of the congregation, and cut off a long slice and put it in your mouth, to the annoyance of everybody around. Do not glory in this disgraceful practice. If you must use tobacco, put a small portion in your mouth when no person sees you, and be careful that no one sees you chew it. I do not charge you with sin. You have the "Word of Wisdom." Read it. Some say, "Oh, as I do in private, so I do in public, and I am not ashamed of it."It is, at least, disgraceful to you to expose your absurdities. Some men will go into a clean and beautifully-furnished parlour with tobacco in their mouths, and feel, "I ask no odds."I would advise such men to be more modest, and not spit upon the carpets and furniture, but step to the door, and be careful not to let any person see you spit; or, what is better, omit chewing until you have an opportunity to do so without offending.
Source: Richards, F. D. ed., Journal of Discourses. 1854-1886. Liverpool: 26 vols. Vol. 8, 361 - 362.
Not only did he forgive his fellow members, he made a remarkable statement himself 10 years after declaring it a commandment.
As Brigham Young grew older, his stance on this commandment seemed to soften.