8c The word which has been given at a late period should not have been so soon forgotten and disregarded by the church or any of its members.
8d "I am God; I change not"; has been known to the church and the eldership since the coming of the angel with the message of restoration.
8e Under it the church has sought the Lord and received from time to time that which was deemed sufficient for the time to govern the church and its ministers, both of the spiritual and the temporal divisions of the work.
8f The church has been directed to accede to the rendition of the Bishopric with respect to the temporal law;
8g and until such heed is paid to the word which has been given, and which is in accordance with other revelations given to the church, which had been before given, the church can not receive and enjoy the blessings which have been looked for when Zion should be fully redeemed.
8h Therefore, hearken once again unto the voice of inspiration, in warning and instruction, and conform to that which is given and receive what is awaiting the upright and the pure in heart.
9a The Spirit saith further unto the church: The Lord is well pleased with the advancement which has been made in approaching unity during the conference year;
9b and though there may have been differences of opinion, these differences have been held in unity of purpose and desire for the good of my people, and will result in helping to bring to pass a unity of understanding.
9c So be ye encouraged and press on to the consummation designed of God for his people--unity, honor, sanctification, and glory. Amen. JOSEPH SMITH. LAMONI, IOWA, April 18, 1909
DC 130 Intro: SECTION 130
Instruction given through President Joseph Smith III, April 14, 1913, at Lamoni, Iowa. It was endorsed by the quorums and the assembly as a revelation from God, and the Conference authorized its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Elder Joseph R. Lambert had been acting as Presiding Evangelist since the death of Elder Alexander H. Smith in 1909. There was widespread concern that a more permanent successor should be selected. Bishop E. L. Kelley and Apostles W. H. Kelley, I. N. White, and J. W. Wight were also finding the burdens of their several responsibilities arduous. These, and other needs of the church, undoubtedly found a prominent place in the petitions of the prophet and of the Saints in general prior to the convening of the Conference and while it was yet in session.
1 In obedience to the spirit and design of the day of fasting and prayer, I observed the day with the church. I have hitherto made supplication to the God whom we serve and renewed my supplication in the spirit of the desire of the church, for instruction and light, and I am now prepared to lay before the church what has come to me as the presiding officer, through whom the Master may speak to his people.
