Alma's preaching of God's holy word was successful. Many accepted the truth with joy. Then they gathered to a place that was convenient, a spot on the borders of the wilderness not far from their city. This place was known as Mormon, having had that name given it by the king. It was admirably suited for a hiding place. It had formerly been infested by ravenous wild beasts, and was dreaded and avoided by the people. Near by was a thicket, or forest of small trees. Here the Gospel believers could hide should they be pursued by the king's servants; here also was a fountain of pure water, excellently adapted for the purposes of baptism. Here, Alma, with others of those who had shown a sincere repentance of their sins, organized the Church of Christ, and here, in the solitude of this primeval forest, the sacred rite of baptism was first administered to them that they, too, might obtain a remission of their sins.