The three questions asked of Helaman by Alma: Do you believe the words I told you about the past records (i.e., the records the Lord has commanded to be kept)? Do you believe in Jesus Christ who shall come? Will you follow my commandments to preserve and keep the records (vv. 2–6; see also Alma 37:1–10)? These should be guidelines for every keeper of historical records. The Lord and his Church command that records be kept that we may learn from the experiences of others rather than the school of hard knocks. Those who keep good records will be blessed, as Alma promised Helaman (v. 8).