Alma is coming toward the close of his great sermon. Therefore he issues this challenge to the vast congregation sitting before him:
“Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance -- Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?”