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 transgression.
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 strait course to eternal bliss, As it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a strait course to the Promised Land.
80 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just assuredly as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the Promised Land, Shall the word of Christ, if we follow its 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 forever.
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.
1 My son, give ear to my words, For I say unto you, even as I said unto Helaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God, ye shall prosper in the land, And inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God, ye shall be cut off from His presence.