“They Did Plead with Their Father Many Days”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

The desire to serve and a rightful commission to serve are not one and the same thing. It is for God to choose and for God to send those whom he has chosen. Because his house is a house of order, such calls must come under the direction of those he has called to direct and administer the affairs of his kingdom here on earth. Thus the sons of Mosiah, now truly converted, seek the right to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. The idea that they could do so without the blessing of Mosiah does not even occur to them. Mosiah, in turn, would not grant such a commission until he had obtained the mind and will of the Lord on the matter (see verse 7).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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