[515] Luke xxii, 19; see also Mark xiv, 22-25.
[516] Matt. xxvi, 27-28. See "The Great Apostasy," pp. 119, 120.
=3. Institution of the Sacrament among the Nephites.=--On the occasion of His visit to the Nephites, which occurred shortly after His resurrection, Christ established the sacrament among this division of His flock. He requested the disciples whom He had chosen to bring Him bread and wine; then taking the bread, He brake it, blessed it, and gave it to the disciples with the command that they should eat and afterward distribute to the people. The authority to administer this ordinance He promised to leave with the people. "And this shall ye always observe to do," said He, "even as I have done.... And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shewn unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."[518] The wine was administered in the same order, first to the disciples, then by them to the people. This also was to be part of the standing ordinance among the people:--"And ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me." Then followed a reiteration of the great promise, "And if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."[519]
[519] III Nephi xviii. 11. See "Jesus the Christ," ch. xxxix.
=4. Fit Partakers of the Sacrament.=--The Divine instructions concerning the sacredness of this ordinance are very explicit; and the consequent need of scrupulous care being exercised lest it be engaged in unworthily is apparent. In addressing the Corinthian Saints, Paul utters solemn warnings against hasty or unworthy action in partaking of the sacrament, and declares that the penalties of sickness, and even death, are visited upon those who violate the sacred requirements.--"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."[520]