“Alma Separately Charges His Sons”

Monte S. Nyman

The son being addressed by Alma is noted above the words he speaks to each; chapter 36 (Helaman), 38 (Shiblon), and 39 (Corianton). The 39 chapter is the subject of the following chapter of this work.

Precepts of this Reading:

Inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land. [Alma 36:1, 36; 37:13; 38:1]
By small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small things in many instances doth confound the wise. [Alma 37:6]
35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. [Alma 37:35–37]
44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. [Alma 37:44–45]
9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.
10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.
11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. [Alma 38:9–12]

Most of Alma’s instructions could fill the role of precepts. The precepts above are the more direct ones. An outline of the entire three chapters discussed in Alma Chapters 36–38 follow as a preparation for a deeper study.

Book of Mormon Commentary: The Record of Alma

References