I was often taught of Joseph Smith’s refusal to drink alcohol during his leg surgery. The story was usually told as a faith promoting one, told to show that Joseph obeyed the Word of Wisdom even in his early life.
Joseph, though did not refuse to drink alcohol for most of his life, a fact which Church leaders attempted to hide for many years.
Joseph Smith’s journal records showed that he drank alcohol in the same year that he was killed. His journal on June 1, 1844 stated:
“Met George J. Adams, and paid him $50. 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, while Dr. Richards and O.P. Rockwell called at the Doctor’s new house.” [1]
This journal entry was edited in the 1902 History of the Church.
“Met George J. Adams, and paid him $50. Then went to John P. Greene’s, and paid him and another brother $200. Called at William Clayton’s, while Dr. Richards and Orrin P. Rockwell called at the doctor’s new house.” [2]
Joseph’s own account of drinking alcohol was removed by Church leaders. What was this action, if not dishonest?
