75 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means, it did shew unto them marvelous works.
76 They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence, and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey:
77 Therefore they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.
78 And now my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass, (now these things were temporal,) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
79 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course, to the promised land.
80 And now I say, Is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow, into a far better land of promise.
81 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look, they might live; even so it is with us.
82 The way is prepared, and if we will look, we may live for ever.
83 And now my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things; yea, see that ye look to God and live.
84 Go unto this people, and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
Alma 18 Intro: The commandments of Alma, to his son, Shiblon.
