Winnemucca - gift of going to church in other places

We went to church in Winnemucca, NV yesterday. It's about half way between the Bay Area and Provo. It was very nice. There was a kid there talking about his mission and that it's been moved up due to the recent change. He's excited, in part because the missionaries live at his house and he gets to see their excitement and attitude towards missionary work. Very cool.

The other big thing was the way I felt when we left. I felt very good. We actually left at 4:15 a.m. and interrupted our drive for about 1:45 in order to go to church. I don't know why I felt so good exactly upon leaving, but I sure did. Finding ways to make God a priority in life and show that he is important is very worthwhile. I'm assuming that he blessed me with the Spirit as a result. It's also great to go to church with the kids.

Race and Religion - Believing those who don't look like you

My wife brought up a good verse to home yesterday that presents an idea that I believe is also taught earlier in the Book of Mormon. 

Throughout time people that looked different or had different backgrounds have lived among each other. However, it's possible that due to technological advances, there's more interracial connections now than any other day. It's also fairly clear that those who don't look the same or have different backgrounds haven't been trusted as much as those who do. 

There's centuries of wars in the Book of Mormon, but one set of wars in a short time frame (several years) gets 20 chapters worth of attention in the book. One important story in that section is about the Stripling Warriors, young men who were originally Lamanites and therefore had a very different background and likely had very different skin color than most of the Nephites. These Lamanites had more faith than any other group, and it was clear God protected them. One lesson we could take from this is that we must not judge a group as one that can't or doesn't have faith or the favor of God. New converts can have more faith than long time members; different races can too. 

This message is repeated in Helaman 14:10. Samuel the Lamanite tells the Nephites that they don't trust him in part because he is a Lamanite. They didn't trust the messenger because of his background. 

 10 And now, because I am a Lamanite, and have spoken unto you the words which the Lord hath commanded me, and because it was hard against you, ye are angry with me and do seek to destroy me, and have ^acast me out from among you.

This is such a great message for our time. In the Book of Mormon it is made very clear that people of all races can have the Spirit, can be righteous, can teach all of us about God and the Gospel. This message is much more clearly made than it is in the Bible. Perhaps in our day of technology and travel, it's critical for this message to be on the earth in scripture. 

I love it.

Helaman - assuming the best about people

Helaman writes several chapters explaining to Moroni about the Stripling Warriors and the battles going on in one part of the land. At the end of his writing he notes that they don't have as many provisions or people as they should have. However, he doesn't jump to a negative conclusion; instead he assumes there must be a logical explanation for what's happened. It's a good example for us. Here's some verses:

 34 Now we do not know the ^acause that the government does not grant us more strength; neither do those men who came up unto us know why we have not received greater strength.

 35 Behold, we do not know but what ^aye are unsuccessful, and ye have drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if so, we do not desire to murmur.

 36 And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is some ^afaction in the government, that they do not send more men to our assistance; for we know that they are more numerous than that which they have sent.

He doesn't want to complain in case Moroni is in a worse situation. He assumes there's a fight in the government, not that they are being lazy or neglecting their duty (and he was right).

Good example for us.

Humility and Knowledge - story of a Tongan missionary

We have 2 Tongan brothers that moved into our ward a year ago. When they arrived they were very quiet as it is a new place and their English was ok, but they were fairly nervous/cautious speaking.

Oh, how things have changed. The oldest boy was a boxer who received a silver medal in the south Pacific Olympics and had a shot to go to the real Olympics. However, instead he decided to put his time and energy into preparing for a mission.

Now to put some perspective on that decision, listen to how poor they are. Their mom died 8 years ago. They didn't have much food growing up, and boxing became a way to experience great things for the young man. However, when he spoke at his farewell (ironically it was on the first Sunday of the Olympics), he spoke about how blessed he was to go on a mission and that he was more excited about it than anything that happened to him in boxing.

Also, this Tongan boy who couldn't speak great English has more scriptures memorized than anyone I've seen going on a mission. And English is his second language. He's the most humble, prepared missionary I have ever seen. By a lot.

It's incredible as his humility and dedication have enhanced his abilities, clearly, and we've seen a very "weak, humble" boy develop into a powerhouse spiritually. I never would have thought someone so humble and untrained (no high school degree) would become the most impressive intellectual speaker I have heard as well as the most humble. It's impossible. But it happened.

He's powerful - I think this verse applies to him:

D.C. 35:24
 13 Wherefore, I call upon the ^aweak things of the world, those who are ^bunlearned and despised, to thresh the ^cnations by the power of my ^dSpirit;

Alma 44 - pushing people to make covenants

Moroni's forces rout the Lamanite forces in Alma 43 and in Alma 44 he stops the fighting and gives the Lamanites an out. He says if they'll covenant to never fight the Nephites again, they can go in peace. The Lamanite leader says that he can't commit to never coming to fight the Nephites again (and also throws in a point that he doesn't believe God gave the Nephites the victory, disputing Moroni's statement that this was the case). 

Fighting continues, some die, others commit to never fight the Nephites again. I find 2 things very interesting about this:

a) Moroni believed it was helpful/useful to push people to covenant. I believe that is a wise move. 

b) The Lamanites tried to live up to this covenant (Lehonti and his army tried not to fight against the Nephites in Alma 47, only 2 years later). This is likely because they had made a covenant just before. However, Lehonti ended up getting close to someone who was sneaky, but definitely didn't care about his covenant and wanted him to break it. He ended up paying with his life.

If the Lamanites had kept their covenant, they would have lived a lot longer. They would have avoided war and had happier lives, presumably. It's worth making covenants. It's worth keeping them. 

Thoughts from Alma 43 - Satan's efforts, those who leave the church, ingenuity/innovation being critical for a leader, how to follow the prophet

We learn a lot from Alma 43. Here's several quick thoughts:

I'm fascinated that Satan doesn't have his people wear armor. In the history of the earth prior to the fighting in Alma 43, there's other fighting groups who used armor, so it's not like he didn't know the idea. So there's a few reasons why he wouldn't inspire those he liked/helped to use armor so that they could kill the good people:

a) his mechanism for distilling information is poor (quite possible); maybe he doesn't have enough influence on people or can't use his followers (unseen) to tempt/guide others that much
b) maybe there's too much downside to causing innovation; for instance, the television has created a way for people to get access to a lot of filth, but it's also the way that prophets are seen throughout the world and lets people across the earth learn the word of God in ways I never could have imagined just 40 years ago. Guatemalan villages have real-time access to conference; that's amazing. Talk about shrinking the vineyard (it's expansiveness is a problem mentioned in Jacob 5).
c) he just doesn't care about those who follow him; he just focuses on getting as many people to follow him as quickly as possible and doesn't think much about the long-term because either a) he can't see it (not prophetic) or b) he doesn't think about anything in the long-term because long-term thinking is usually about love/concern (which he doesn't) so therefore doesn't think through the right way to hurt more people over the long term

Other quick thoughts:
Concerning Moroni being the chief captain: Moroni was elevated at 25 to head of the armies; probably because he was so wise! He got the armies to use armor; he was super smart about how to follow the prophet. Being wise probably got him noticed more than anything else. He approached things differently. Perhaps he used the scriptures as guidelines or other records as guidelines for what he did; perhaps (thinking of the above thoughts), Satan doesn't use/have those tools because they're too dangerous. He thinks better for people to know nothing than to be able to read and perhaps be able to learn from the scriptures. Not sure....

Here's some verses:

 16 Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been^aappointed to be the ^bchief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;

 17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.

 18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the borders of Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of ^aweapons of war.

 19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had ^aprepared his people with ^bbreastplatesand with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing—

Concerning following the prophet - he sent spies (his own efforts), knew Alma was prophetic and tried to get Alma to give counsel (which Alma did), and when Moroni got counsel, he still left armies in the former place just in case the Lamanites returned. He covered his bases and didn't presume that the prophet had given him more information than he had (i.e., the prophet said they're going here; let's abandon all other general war principles and send all our people over there; the prophet didn't say they wouldn't turn around, he just said where they were likely headed).

Here's some verses:

 23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should ^ainquire of the Lord ^bwhither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.

 24 And it came to pass that the ^aword of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people. And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni.

 25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon, lest by any means a part of the Lamanites should come into that land and take possession of the city, took the remaining part of his army and marched over into the land of Manti.

Concerning those who left the church - they were considerably less reasonable and more angry to former church members/Nephites than the Lamanites. I know a few people who have left the church recently, and I hope they don't turn into the negative forces that the Amalekites and Zoramites were. I believe that they might be based on what I've seen. A warning to church members, certainly...

 6 And now, as the ^aAmalekites were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves, therefore, Zerahemnah appointed chief ^bcaptains over the Lamanites, and they were all Amalekites and ^cZoramites.

 7 Now this he did that he might preserve their ^ahatred towards the Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the accomplishment of his designs.

 8 For behold, his ^adesigns were to ^bstir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into ^cbondage.

only let your sins trouble you - a great message for many of us

It appears that Corianton, the son of Alma, along with some significant sins had a lot of questions about doctrinal issues. Alma spends chapter 40 talking about the resurrection (that it will happen and when), chapter 41 about the restoration component of resurrection (that we will reap what we sow in many respects), and chapter 42 about the justice of God in punishing sinners.

Alma explains in a very detailed manner many things about these topics. It appears to be a great example of using "pure knowledge" to influence someone (see D.C. 121:41-42). I would in particular like to highlight how Alma ends the discussion - he pushes Corianton to let his sins trouble him more than particularly specific (and in some ways deep) doctrinal questions trouble him.

 29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things^atrouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.

Alma is happy to explain things thoroughly, but he emphasizes that the point of the knowledge is only to help influence action. He wants his son to spend more time thinking about how to change that pondering doctrine.

Ideally he wants the key points of his doctrinal teaching, God's justice, mercy, and long-suffering, to cause his son to act differently. Very inspiring:

 30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the ^ajustice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his ^bmercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in^chumility.

 Enjoy. It is critical to act, and think more about how we can be better, not quite so much about what doctrinal thing we don't perfectly understand (or use as an excuse to live worse lives).

Common question answered - if God loves us, why would he punish a sinner? (sometimes people state this as a disbelief that he would)

Oftentimes Alma's teaching to Corianton is considered a big discourse on not sinning (particularly around adultery), which it is, but in the process, Alma answers some interesting questions. The question in Alma 42 for instance is this, 

 1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the ^ajustice of God in the ^bpunishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is ^cinjustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.

Or in other words, "doesn't God love all his children. If so, would he really punish them for "sinning"? 

That's a common question. Very common. Especially if you include those who believe that grace covers for all sins with limited or no effort on the part of the sinner. Alma does his best to answer. I find his example particularly powerful:

He answers with a lot of strong doctrinal ideas, even going back to the Fall and explaining the role the Fall has in the answer; this seems to be the epitome of persuading with, "pure knowledge" as is talked about in D.C. 121. It's an example of the power that can come from having a lot of knowledge about how the world actually works. 

As I think about persuasion and the right way to do it, I believe the example of pure knowledge is a common one that's trying to be taught. When the prophets give discourses, they're trying to teach truth in a powerful way that convinces people to act differently. It may be the persuasion "tactic" that is shown the most out of those the Lord talks about in D.C. 121: 

 41 No ^apower or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the ^bpriesthood, only by ^cpersuasion, by ^dlong-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

 42 By ^akindness, and pure ^bknowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the ^csoul without ^dhypocrisy, and without ^eguile—

I think it might be worth going through chapters and examples and think about the way that the prophet's persuaded and which of these methods are being shown as examples. 

Do not follow the lust of your eyes

Alma warns his son Corianton about a few of his tendencies to sin.

I appreciate this verse and the phrase, "lust of your eyes".

 9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the ^alusts of your eyes, but ^bcrossyourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and ^ccross yourself in these things.

It seems to be a great description of a major issue with men. They focus on what they see rather than all of the other things necessary before a sexual relationship (including marriage). Also, it's critical after marriage to not focus on others women's looks but rather on your spouse. This counsel shows the prophet knew about these topics.

Also, Alma mentions that his son can't take riches with him, so he shouldn't focus on them. Also, very good, practical advice.

 14 ^aSeek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

Prophetic counsel - Book of Mormon example

In Alma 37 Helaman, the next prophet, receives counsel from the current prophet, Alma (also his dad), to speak about "secret combinations" which are basically secret and dark plots and plans to lie, murder, rob, steal, and take advantage of others. It is something that became prevalent in the Book of Mormon society starting during war time that begins just after this counsel is given and continuing for the next 100 years or so until Jesus Christ comes to visit the people.

It appears remarkable that the prophet had such a great pulse on the society and the future events that were coming that he would counsel his son about how to speak to the people on this issue. Now certainly Mormon was choosing what to put into the book when he compiled it, but the writings of Alma to his sons comes from Alma's record, and the timing (as I mentioned) is impressive.

We are lucky to have a living prophet who can guide us in the most pertinent and timely matters. Alma was a great prophet who did that. It's another reminder of the blessing it is to have a living prophet today.

Here's some verses in Alma 37 on the topic:

 22 For behold, the Lord saw that his people began to work in darkness, yea, work secret murders and abominations; therefore the Lord said, if they did not repent they should be destroyed from off the face of the earth.

 23 And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a^astone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may^bdiscover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations.

 24 And now, my son, these ^ainterpreters were prepared that the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying:

 25 I will ^abring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will^bdestroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.

 26 And now, my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has been fulfilled; yea, their ^asecret abominations have been brought out of darkness and made known unto us.

 27 And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their ^asigns and their wonders ye shall^bkeep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed.

 28 For behold, there is a ^acurse upon all this land, that destruction shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the power of God, when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that this people might not be destroyed.

 29 Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their ^aoaths and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness and their murders and their abominations shall ye make known unto them; and ye shall teach them to ^babhor such wickedness and abominations and murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness and abominations and their murders.

 30 For behold, they ^amurdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities; and the blood of those whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their God for vengeance upon those who were their murderers; and thus the judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and secret ^bcombinations.

 31 Yea, and ^acursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully ^bripe.

 32 And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting ^ahatred against sin and iniquity.

 33 ^aPreach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be ^bmeek and lowly in heart; teach them to ^cwithstand every ^dtemptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Best Mission Farewell Ever

Yesterday we had the best testimony meeting ever. We have two Tongan boys in our ward who moved in with their oldest brother about a year ago. They come from a very poor family, and their mom died in 2004. The older of the two boys is leaving on his mission to Detroit in a couple of weeks.

In the meeting we had a temple presidency member and his wife speak, and even though they're great and have had a lot of experience, the highlight was definitely Elder Latu.

Multiple times he quoted scriptures from memory - the best two being D.C. 4 and 3 Nephi 5:13 (  13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been ^acalled of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.)


Impressive to see someone with slightly broken English (and it's his second language), repeat memorized scriptures so well prior to his mission. Also, the 3 Nephi scripture was so powerful to hear him say. He mentioned how blessed he was to be born into the covenant and receive his calling. 


Making the whole event even better was that he could have been in the Olympics representing his country. He talked about that, how despite being so poor he was blessed to travel and was 2nd in South Pacific Games in boxing and 10th in the commonwealth games. He could have gone to the Olympics but when he moved to the U.S., after fasting and praying, he realized God wanted him to go on a mission, not to the Olympics. So he put all his energy into preparing for a mission, and it has been a great blessing for him. Very powerful to hear about this. He talked about his mom being so happy he's going on a mission (she's on the other side of the veil). 


The people in Detroit are lucky to have this Elder. Incredibly humble. Very well prepared. An inspiration to us all. 

Hints about Satan's lies - Korihor

In Alma 30 we get to see the story of Korihor, a man who taught that if you couldn't see something, you shouldn't believe it. Therefore, there was no reason to think there would be life after death or a judgment and as a result, you should do whatever you wanted in life. This led to an increase in people committing sexual sin in particular. Very sad. There was also an emphasis on the leaders of the church trying to hold down or oppress their followers.

Alma fought these points pretty specifically:
a) church leaders didn't get paid, so why would they lie
b) people found hope in the idea of Christ and what he would do for them; this is a hopeful, not oppressive belief
c) the order of the world was evidence of God existing (science talks about entropy; having organization is the opposite of this and infers an Organizor)

Also, we later find out that the following:
a) he wanted a sign - this is an easy thing to say but is quite damning when an individual requires this (we learn from Alma/Amulek in Ammonihah that a sign doesn't convince people for the long-term, only condemns them)
b) Satan came to him as an angel and Korihor believed because what was taught was pleasing to the carnal mind; if something sounds too good to be true (no punishment for behaving so selfishly) or involves a "me first" focus, it's probably not good
c) Korihor trusted a "super natural" person, Satan, but wouldn't believe in God. That seems surprising.

Speaking with antagonistic/unbelieving groups - Significant amounts of data

It is difficult to speak with those that are extremely antagonistic/unbelieving groups. The Book of Mormon gives a case of this in Alma 9 to Alma 14.

Amazingly - Alma and Amulek convince some people, others die, and others are chased out to another town.

This is a very extreme story in which many are murdered. I must assume it's not in there randomly. Here's some thoughts.
- Alma and Amulek teach some very tough doctrine and some very detailed doctrine: - if you die as a sinner, you will be in a terrible place - your words, thoughts, actions will condemn you before God;
- people were foreordained as high priests in the premortal life based on their acceptance of the teachings of the Savior and faith and repentance; it's the same on earth - critical to repent and exercise faith

Then Alma and Amulek and placed into prison, women and children that believe are thrown into a fire and men who believe are kicked out of town. Alma and Amulek prophesy that the town will be destroyed, which the people say they don't believe. Town leaders tell Alma to free himself and then they'll believe; when Alma and Amulek are freed, their prison tumbles to the ground, killing everyone but themselves. Townspeople see this but still don't repent. Some lessons learned:
- even if everything a prophet says will happen happens, non-believers still don't repent
- terrible things can happen to believers; it's still wise to believe, but don't think it won't be difficult
- when teaching people who are antagonistic, it helps to have 2 teachers
- it's okay to teach very specific doctrine, which I believe shows there's merit to what's being taught (foreordination in this instance) and that the plan is fully formed
- those who are overly skeptical are left with the lesser portion of the word (that which is on the page only) and not the greater portion (that which is revealed)

Stand in the Sacred Grove - great lesson on family

Elder Jensen's CES talk had some terrific things. I learned something about the purpose of having a question on the family in the temple recommend interview.

Certainly the earliest and best laboratory for learning to get along with others is the home. It is at home that we learn the lessons of service, unselfishness, forgiveness, and patience that are essential to the formation of lasting relationships with others. I think it is for this reason that a part of being “temple worthy” is the requirement that we live in love and harmony with members of our family.

As I thought about this question, I thought of several families that appear to be quite faithful but have had one or two children leave the church. In some instances I have learned that the families were not very close growing up. There may have been a lot of competition or one or two children that felt left out or not as talented as the others. I realize that this can be perceived more than real in some cases, but one person's reality is their reality. Now that I'm a father, I saw as clearly as can be this morning while listening to Elder Jensen, that it's critical for love to exist in my home. If there isn't love and good relationships, then there can't be teaching. Also, when the church is something so integral in our lives, then it can be hard to separate family life from church life. Therefore, it's critical that parents and children have great relationships, and it's the parents' jobs to make that happen. Then there can be great teaching and our children can build great spiritual strength.

Parents - be wise...

Alma 7 - questions/guidance to the faithful

Alma gives us some good insight here:
a) he talks about his great anxiety/hope that the people were humble before God, praying, and found blameless before him (v3)
b) he says the people of Zarahemla were in an awful "dillemma" which is then footnoted to Alma 5:17 which quotes Alma saying the following: (v3)
17  Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
Interesting that this is the dilemma - that they had to change or they would f)face God in a sad state and not be saved. Most people don't even know they're in that dilemma; maybe that's the problem.
c) Alma wades through affliction and sorrow with the people of Zarahemla; a priesthood leader suffers along with those he's teaching -
 I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.
d) he gets to be very specific about the Savior; he talks about all the things the Savior suffered and felt for us, not just for our sins. that's a very fascinating point. Perhaps he's able to share more than just he paid for our sins because they know that and have repented, so it's the next step to know more. So he gave it to them. (v11-12)
e) We need to live to receive the help of the power of deliverance of the Savior:
 13 Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might ^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
f) After Alma's invitation for baptism, he can tell that they're living righteously; priesthood leaders need discernment to do this (v16-20)
g) Gives them a broad commandment to improve:
 24 And see that ye have ^afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
h) Alma is so happy that they are righteous:  26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto my word.
i) Promises them a lot - peace of God on all things associated with their lives
 27 And now, may the ^apeace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
Very different speech compared to Alma 5.....