Captain Moroni and Alma
Captain Moroni lived during a time of war between the Lamanites and Nephites. As a leader of the army, he worked with soldiers and government leaders alike. His concern for the welfare of the people of Nephi is evident in his actions and messages.
Remembering the Captivity
Moroni asks neglectful government leaders, "have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers?"
(Alma 60:20). It was Alma who emphasized this teaching, when warned to do so
by the angel (Mosiah 27:16), and Alma who taught this privately, "I have
always remembered the captivity of my fathers," (Alma 29:12;
also 36:2, 28-29) and publicly, "Have you sufficiently retained in
remembrance the captivity of your fathers?" (Alma 5:6). This
appears to have been an important teaching of Alma that Moroni took to
heart.
Another interesting phrase is Moroni’s, "my beloved brethren—for ye ought to be beloved" (Alma 60:10) which is used only
by Alma:"my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren, and
ye ought to be beloved," (Alma 9:30). Moroni’s teaching that
the righteous who are killed are not lost, but enter into God’s rest, though
expressed in different words, may also be based on his understanding of
Alma’s teaching (Alma 14:11; Alma 60:12-13).
Personal application
Moroni’s words suggest that, as a young man, he likely heard and internalized the teachings of the prophet Alma, who was the High Priest over the Church of God during that time. Having done so, he was able to draw upon them during a challenging period of warfare and uncertainty. As you read the words of Moroni, consider how you can more fully learn, remember, hearken to, and follow the teachings of the current leaders of the Church, so that their teachings can bless you even in difficult times.