Joel Hills Johnson — Witness to the Word of Wisdom Revelation

Joel Hills Johnson was present in Kirtland, Ohio, when the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89). Johnson provided a crucial historical witness by recording that he heard the Prophet specifically explain that "hot drinks" mentioned in the revelation referred to tea and coffee. Following this divine instruction, Johnson committed to a lifetime of strict adherence, recording later in life that he had never used tobacco, strong drinks, tea, or coffee from that day forward, viewing his health and discipline as a result of following this inspired wisdom.