The people of Ammonihah reacted rudely. “They hardened their hearts” and said “we are not of thy church”; in other words, “we are not interested!” They reviled against Alma and spat on him. He was “weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul.” Juxtapose those feelings of discouragement to Alma’s next experience; an angel appeared to him (the same angel who had first appeared to him and dramatically changed his life [see v. 15; Mosiah 27:11]) and, in essence, said, You are a good, faithful soul, Alma. Now go back there and preach to them again. Missionary success is measured less by numbers of baptisms than by the missionary’s obedience and diligence.