SECTION
26
[Book
of Commandments 28, Kirtland D&C 50, LDS D&C 27]
The
first paragraph of this revelation was given to Joseph Smith, Jr.,
early in August 1830 at Harmony, Pennsylvania, and was written down
at that time. It was given through the personal ministry of a
“heavenly messenger” as Joseph was seeking wine for the Sacrament
which he and his wife and John Whitmer (Joseph’s secretary at the
time) wished to share with Newel Knight and his wife. Mrs. Smith and
Mrs. Knight had just been confirmed. The “Book of Commandments”
gives the date of this revelation as September 4, 1830. This was
probably when the later paragraphs of the revelation were received.
1a.
Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your
Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful.
1b.
For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat,
or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be
that ye do it with an eye single to my glory;
1c.
remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and
my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins;
1d.
wherefore a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase
wine, neither strong drink of your enemies; wherefore ye shall
partake of none, except it is made new among you; yea, in this my
Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.
2a.
Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore marvel not, for the hour
cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the
earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book
of Mormon, containing the fullness of my everlasting gospel;
2b. to
whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;
and also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to
pass the restoration of all things, or the restorer of all things
spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began,
concerning the last days;
2c.
and also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias)
visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name
should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;
2d.
which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jr., and
Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto this first priesthood which you
have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron;
2e.
and also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of
turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of
the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten
with a curse;
2f.
and also with Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your
fathers; by whom the promises remain; and also with Michael, or Adam,
the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days.
3a.
And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you,
by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles and
especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry;
3b.
and of the same things which I revealed unto them; unto whom I have
committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel
for the last times;
3c.
and for the fullness of times, in the which I will gather together in
one all things, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; and
also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world;
3d.
wherefore lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins,
and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand
the evil day, having done all ye may be able to stand.
3e.
Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on
the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to
commit unto you, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
3f.
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I
will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be
agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me,
3g.
and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I
am ye shall be also. Amen.
