Rewriting Mormon History


Would you be surprised to learn that Joseph Smith drank alcohol after introducing the Word of Wisdom?

The truth is he did, yet most Mormons who I talk to would swear that Joseph Smith never touched it outside of the sacrament. I think the LDS Church not only ignores this obvious embarrassment, but takes active measures in keeping it secret.

On June 1, 1844 (only a couple of weeks prior to Joseph's death) the History of the Church as published in the Millennial Star indicated that Joseph Smith drank "a glass of beer at Moessers." This statement was later removed in recent editions of the History of the Church.

Joseph Smith's statement in the LDS Millenial Star: "Then went to John P. Greene's, and paid him and another brother $200. Drank a glass of beer at Moessers. Called at William Clayton's ..." (Millennial Star, vol. 23, p. 720).

This phrase was edited in a new edition of the History of the Church:

"Then went to John P. Greene's, and paid him and another $200. Called at William Clayton's...." (History of the Church, vol. 6, pg. 424).

***

Sincerely,

James


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