Alma made it clear that the priests were to earn their own living and not to depend upon the people for their subsistence. He also stressed the need for the priests to study diligently so that they could teach with power and authority from God. The Lord has promised that when teachers are well prepared the spirit of the Lord will confirm the truth of their message in the hearts of those who are listening.1 It is interesting that when the gospel was restored in modern times all of the policies set forth by Alma were carefully followed in setting up the Church in the latter days.