Alma Instructs His Son Corianton

“And now my son, Corianton, I have more to say to you than to your brother, for you have not followed his good example—his faithfulness and diligence in keeping God’s commandments. You have not listened to my words as your brother did, when we were among the Zoramites. I speak against your boasting in your own strength and wisdom.

“This is not all, my son. You did what was grievous to me. You left the ministry and went to the land of Siron, near the Lamanite border, after the harlot, Isabel. She stole away many hearts, but that is no excuse for you, my son. You should have attended to the ministry with which you were entrusted.

“My son, what you did is a very serious sin in the Lord’s sight—even the worst sin, except for murder or denying the Holy Ghost. For if you deny the Holy Ghost after it once has had a place in you, and you know that you deny it, this sin is unpardonable. And anyone who murders against the light and knowledge of God is not easily forgiven. And now, my son, I would to God that you had not been guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. But you cannot hide your crimes from God. And unless you repent, they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.

“I advise you to repent and forsake your sins, and no longer seek after the lust of your eyes, but deny yourself these things. Unless you do this, you can never inherit God’s kingdom. Oh remember, and take upon yourself the responsibility to repent.

“I command you to counsel with your older brothers in whatever you do, for you are young, and still need their counsel. Do not let yourself be led away by any vain or foolish thing. Do not let the devil lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. What a great sin you have brought upon the Zoramites, for when they saw your conduct, they would not believe my words.

“The Spirit of the Lord says to me, ‘Command your children to do good, or they may lead away the hearts of many people to destruction.’ This is why I command you, my son, in the fear of God, to stop your sinfulness. Turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength. Stop leading others to sin. Go back to them and admit to them your faults and wrong-doing. Do not seek riches or the vain things of this world, for you cannot carry them with you.

“And now, my son, I will speak to you about the coming of Christ. He will surely come to take away the sins of the world. He comes to declare glad news of salvation to His people. This was the ministry to which you were called—to declare this glad news to our people, that salvation might come to them, and that they may prepare their children to hear the word when Christ comes. I will explain this subject to you, for you wonder why these things need to be known so far ahead of time. Is not a soul just as precious to God now as it will be when He comes? Is it not just as important for the plan of redemption to be known by this people as it will be for their children? Yes, and it is just as easy for the Lord to send His angel to declare this glad news to us as it will be for Him to send His angel to declare it to our children.”