Jesus had said of the people that they were tired before this experience began. Certainly this experience renewed their spiritual ability to overcome the fatigue of the body. They had seen their God descend to them. Now they see the heavens open and angels descend. This experience, however, they witness as it happens to their children. Although we do not hear anything of it in the Book of Mormon, it is hard to imagine that any of the people present at this time would ever stray from the gospel, but it is even more unlikely that any of these children would stray, based on the transforming nature of this experience.
In a future generation, as these children teach their children, it is also quite likely that the power of their parents testimony would still be transmitted to their children. No wonder the gospel becomes the way of life for two hundred years before the power of this experience begins to fade and the Nephites again begin to drift into apostasy.
Referent: The imagery of being surrounded by fire when in such a tremendous spiritual experience no doubt owes much to the description of the day of Pentecost in Acts:
Acts 2:1-4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.