Alma, having baptized all those who desired it and who showed by their works that they fully deserved to have the sacred ordinance performed, went a step further in the organization of the new Church. Holding the Holy Priesthood himself, he ordained other priests to teach the members of the Church "concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Alma appointed one priest to every fifty members of the Church who was to preach to them and lead them as he should direct.
Alma's instructions to the priests he had appointed were definite. He saw many pitfalls in the paths they had recently trod under the leadership of Noah's priests. Things that had been taught by these priests were unworthy of God's children, and, besides, many of their teachings were downright wicked. Therefore, Alma commanded those over whom he presided to teach nothing save they already had heard him declare it to be true.
Teach and preach nothing save it be "repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people."
If we, in preaching the Gospel, would abide Alma's instructions, how many differences of opinion would we avoid. Repentance from wicked ways is necessary, and then baptism133 is enjoined upon us. These doctrines are undisputable among us, but when we venture outside what is divinely made known we enter a realm of imagination where "houses of cards" are built. Sooner or later, when opposition arises, they will fall as will a house built upon sand. Then we will find that we have been false interpreters of a grand and glorious Plan which in the end will save all men through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In this verse Alma speaks of the Lord as having already redeemed His people. Many of the ancient prophets spoke of Him in this tense. It is called, prophetic past.
Alma cautioned the newly ordained priests against contention among themselves. He said that they were not to tolerate any personal opinions, but to unitedly pro-
claim "one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love towards another." (See Eph. 4:4-5)