Alma the Younger and Nephi

Alma taught his son Helaman that God commanded the small plates of Nephi to be kept “for a wise purpose in him” (Alma 37:14, 18), which is the precise phrase used by Nephi (1 Nephi 9:5; 19:3).

Alma continues to use Nephi's words as he talks about the Liahona, referring to it as a “ball” and as a “compass” that was “prepared” by the Lord (Alma 37:38) (2 Nephi 5:12). Both prophets speak of its “curious workmanship” (Alma 37:39; 1 Nephi 16:10) and that it worked “according to their faith” (Alma 37:40; 1 Nephi 16:28), but that it “ceased” to work without faith (Alma 37:41; 1 Nephi 18:12–13). They added that through “small means” the Lord showed great things (Alma 37:41; 1 Nephi 16:29).

Personal application

Alma’s teachings show that he was familiar with the teachings of Nephi on the small plates, and that he shared these teachings with his son. As you read the words of Alma to Helaman, consider what the Lord promises those who show faith in him. How can you better exercise faith in Christ and receive His blessings? Even in our weakness, the Lord can use our small acts of faith to fulfill His divine purposes and to bless our lives and the lives of others.

Nephi	Alma
Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not (1 Nephi 9:5). The things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord (1 Nephi 19:3).	And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him (Alma 37:14). For he promised unto [Alma's fathers] that he would preserve these things for a wise purpose in him (Alma 37:18). It is for a wise purpose that they are kept (Alma 37:2)
The ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord (2 Nephi 5:12). The compass, which had been prepared of the Lord (1 Nephi 18:12).	And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it (Alma 37:38).
He beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass (1 Nephi 16:10).	And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship (Alma 37:39).
And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go in the wilderness (1 Nephi 16:10).	And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness (Alma 37:39).
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them (1 Nephi 16:28).	And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done (Alma 37:40).
And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things (1 Nephi 16:29).	Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works (Alma 37:41).
And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work . . . And we were driven back upon the waters (1 Nephi 18:12–13).	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 (Alma 37:41).
And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it (1 Nephi 18:21). And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed towards the promised land (1 Nephi 18:22).	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 (Alma 37:44).