refer to Virginia H. Pearce quote under DEVELOPING FAITH at the conclusion of Alma 32
“To soundly plant good seeds in your heart requires prolonged, intense, unremitting pondering. It is a deep, ongoing, regenerating process which refines the soul.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 1982, pp. 23-25)
“Just as soil needs preparation for a seed, so does a human heart for the word of God to take root. Before he told the people to plant the seed, Alma told them that their hearts were prepared. They had been persecuted and cast out of their churches. Alma with his love and the circumstances of their lives, which led them to be humble, had prepared them. They were then ready to hear the word of God. If they chose to plant it in their hearts, the growth in their souls would surely follow, and that would increase their faith… . First of all that to plant the seed, they have to try it by keeping commandments… . That feeling of surrender is not likely to come unless they experience some feeling of being loved and lowly of heart.” (Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 1995, p. 38)