With the knowledge that the good seed is growing, your faith is dormant in that point, but your knowledge is not perfect (vv. 34–36). The fourth step in the scientific method is the seed taking root and growing up. The fifth step is for the tree to bear fruit (v. 37). Those who do not continue in the experiment will never partake of the fruit, either because they have not continued to nourish the tree, or their ground is barren (vv. 38–40).
Alma identifies the tree as one that grows up unto everlasting life (v. 41). It is the same tree that father Lehi saw in his vision (see 1 Nephi 8:10–12). The experiment described by Alma is not completed until the fruit of the tree is plucked and eaten (Alma 32:42). Trees are used for shade, for lumber, for growing fruit, and for firewood. Those who grow the tree until they know it is a good tree but experiment no further, or symbolically laying in the shade of the tree will not gain the everlasting life the tree represents. It is like gaining a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true, and then putting the book aside never to learn the doctrines and precepts for living that it teaches. It is lying in the shade of that testimony, but not partaking of the fruit. Those who gain knowledge of the Book of Mormon but use it as an intellectual or emotional tool may build their own kingdom of followers, but they will not eat the fruit of everlasting life. Perhaps they could be likened unto gaining the terrestrial kingdom, but not the celestial. Those who gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon and lose it by failure to nourish and prune the tree, will be good for nothing but to be cast out and burned. These people may be classified as firewood.
The fruit of the tree is precious, most sweet, white, and pure (v. 42). If the fruit is only tasted, it may bring everlasting life in the celestial kingdom, but not bring exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom (see D&C 131:1–4). The fruit must be eaten until you are filled (v. 42). Such filling may be likened unto being exalted in the celestial kingdom. It is to have the more sure word of prophecy, or the making of one’s calling and election sure (see D&C 131:5–6). The experiment is not ended when a testimony of the Book of Mormon is attained, or of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon and the other standard works must be studied, and the principles and doctrines lived that are taught therein. Not until then, will one never hunger or thirst as Jesus also promised (see John 4:14; 6:35). The experiment advocated by Alma is basically a life-long process, and the rewards of our faith, diligence (works), patience, and long-suffering (Alma 32:43). May we all continue to work the “scientific gospel” experiment.
Other steps in the scientific method will be discussed in the following chapter.