4b This call was made known before, but my servant withheld it from the body for reasons that he believed were sufficient.
5a The church is admonished again that all movements toward Zion and the gathering and temporalities connected therewith are within my law, and all things should be done in order,
5b the advice and counsel of the elders and of the Bishop and his council be sought and honored when received, as before enjoined, though of necessity their counsel when given is not intended to dictate or to deny any man his agency.
5c The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies;
5d but my word shall not fail, neither will my promises, for the foundation of the Lord standeth sure.
DC 141 Intro: SECTION 141
Revelation given through President Israel A. Smith during the World Conference of 1948 held at Independence, Missouri. There was a vacancy in the ranks of the Twelve because of the death of Elder G. G. Lewis. Also, Elder M. A. McConley had become incapacitated by illness. The instruction given was endorsed by the various quorums and by the Conference, and provision was made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
To the Quorums, Councils and Orders of the Church and the General Conference:
Since the day set for a fast and especially since the loss by death of Apostle Lewis, I have been led to seek the divine mind respecting the needs of the body. Light and intelligence have been manifested as a result, and I am permitted to present the following by way of encouragement and direction:
To the Church:
1 My servant George G. Lewis has been taken for mine own purposes. He has been faithful, and his labors have been acceptable to me.
2 My servant Myron A. McConley is honorably released from further duty as an Apostle, and he should be ordained to the office of evangelist and labor as a member of that order.
3 In order that the Council of Twelve may be filled and the work of that Quorum be carried forward, it is my will that my servants Percy E. Farrow and Reed M. Holmes be ordained and set apart unto the apostolic office and appointed to mission responsibility.
4a There are others of the leading councils who have likewise served faithfully, whose ministry in my wisdom is continued for a season, but who may be taken to myself, or because of age or infirmity released in mine own due time.
4b There are those with the body of my priesthood who are called and who will be chosen to succeed them, if faithful; therefore, all are admonished to qualify themselves in spirit by ministry and by witnessing for Christ.
