The Lord promised the Nephites many times that if they would keep the commandments they would prosper in the land (for example, see Mosiah 1:7). In Alma 2–3 you read how the faithful Nephites were saved from the Amlicite-Lamanite threat by calling upon the Lord for strength. The Lord blessed them and they were delivered.In Alma 4, there is no external enemy, no wars or contentions, but in a very real way the situation was more desperate than when the Lamanites were invading. What was the source of that danger? President George Q. Cannon, who was a counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “We are to be tried in all things, and sooner or later we must be tested by prosperity and plenty. Many people who remained faithful Latter-day Saints while they were poor may be unable to stand when they are rich. Riches [have] a very corrupting effect upon the human heart, and it requires a very pure people to be as honest, virtuous, humble and upright when surrounded by luxury and wealth as when they are in poor and destitute circumstances” (Gospel Truth, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist, 2 vols. [1957, 1974], 2:319).As you study Alma 4, look for how President Cannon’s statement applies to those Nephites, and to us!