dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 114
Jehovah instructs David W. Patten to close his affairs and prepare to lead a company of twelve on a spring mission to testify of His name throughout the world. The commission carries a warning: those who deny Jehovah's name forfeit their standing, and others will be planted in their place to receive the office and its authority. The bishopric language echoes Psalms 109:8 — the replacement of a failed steward in a numbered quorum — signaling that office in the Holy Order is held conditionally and can pass to those whose alignment with the covenant holds.
1
Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world.
2
For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen.
