Alma 37:38

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 37:39

And behold, there cannot any man work

after the manner of so curious a workmanship.

And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers

the course which they should travel in the wilderness.

Alma 37:40

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;

therefore they had this miracle,

and also many other miracles

wrought by the power of God, day by day.

Alma 37:41

Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means

it did show unto them marvelous works.

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 37:42

Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness,

or did not travel a direct course,

and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.

Alma 37:43

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.

Alma 37:44

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 37:45

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.

Alma 37:46

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.

The way is prepared,

and if we will look we may live forever.

Alma 37:47

And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things,

yea, see that ye look to God and live.

Go unto this people and declare the word,

and be sober.

My son, farewell.