No Man Knows My History (Illustrated): The Life of Joseph Smith

by Fawn M. Brodie

For some years, in fact, Joseph did not take his “Word of Wisdom” seriously. After a double wedding in January 1836 he wrote in his journal: “We then partook of some refreshments, and our hearts were made glad with the fruit of the vine. This is according to the pattern set by our Savior Himself, and we feel disposed to patronize all the institutions of heaven.” A fortnight later at the marriage of his apostle John Boynton he was presented with “three servers of glasses filled with wine” to bless. “And it fell to my lot to attend this duty,” he said, “which I cheerfully discharged. ... our hearts were made glad while partaking of the bounty of the earth which was presented, until we had taken our fill; and joy filled every bosom. . . .”