He spoke first of Christ: “My son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. He knew that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just-yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” ( Alma 31:5). “And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities” ( Alma 39:11–12).Īfter this severe rebuke, Alma the loving father became Alma the teacher. He sternly commanded his son to accept the counsel of his older brothers (see Alma 39:10).Īlma told him that his iniquity was great because it turned away investigators: “When they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words. “But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God” ( Alma 39:7–8). “I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime.” He then said: “I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. Unchastity is “most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost” ( Alma 39:5). Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted” ( Alma 39:4).Īlma told his son that the devil had led him away (see Alma 39:11).
Corianton forsook his ministry and went to the land of Siron after the harlot Isabel (see Alma 39:3). Alma was greatly disappointed at the failure of his son Corianton to live the standards of a missionary. Two of Alma’s sons-Shiblon and Corianton, the youngest-were on a mission to the Zoramites. Alma, the father, was a prophet his son, Corianton, a missionary.