Clover Blossoms—First Crop—I have a request to make. Will these children please gather me as much clover or even more than they did last year? If they can do this, they will do me a great favor. I cannot do it here. We have no clover on our ground. The first crop is preferable, but if this comes too late, the second crop had better be secured.—Letter 1, 1872 (To a family in Michigan). (2SM 302.1) MC VC

Tea Used as a Medicine, but Not as a Beverage—I do not use tea, either green or black. Not a spoonful has passed my lips for many years except when crossing the ocean, and once since on this side I took it as a medicine when I was sick and vomiting. In such circumstances it may prove a present relief. (2SM 302.2) MC VC

I did not use tea when you were with us. I have always used red-clover top, as I stated to you. I offered you this, and told you it was a good, simple, and wholesome drink (2SM 302.3) MC VC

I have not bought a penny’s worth of tea for years. Knowing its influence I would not dare to use it, except in cases of severe vomiting when I take it as a medicine, but not as a beverage.... (2SM 302.4) MC VC

I do not preach one thing and practice another. I do not present to my hearers rules of life for them to follow while I make an exception in my own case.... (2SM 302.5) MC VC

I am not guilty of drinking any tea except red-clover-top tea, and if I loved wine, tea, and coffee, I would not use these health-destroying narcotics, for I prize health and I prize a healthful example in all these things. I want to be a pattern of temperance and of good works to others.—Letter 12, 1888 (To a minister on the West Coast). (2SM 302.6) MC VC

Coffee as Medicine—I have not knowingly drunk a cup of genuine coffee for twenty years, only, as I stated, during my sickness—for a medicine—I drank a cup of coffee, very strong, with a raw egg broken into it.—Letter 20, 1882 (To friends). (2SM 302.7) MC VC