After Alma bore the testimony of Christ which filled his bosom, he made a personal appeal to the people of the great City Ammonihah in which he was appointed to labor, calling them brethren. (See COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF MORMON, Volume II, Chapter II: 9-15) In very deed, he was their brother. The cold fact that they had gone astray, nevertheless did not sever the consanguineous ties that bound them as brethren.
Alma boldly told them that from the wonderful heritage they had, they ought to emulate their marvelous ancestors, equalling or excelling their good works. But, he said, the contrary, "your hearts have been grossly hardened against the Word of God," and you have become a lost and fallen people.