26:4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God. 26:5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. 26:6 For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church. 26:7 And it came to pass that they were brought before the priests, and delivered up unto the priests by the teachers; and the priests brought them before Alma, who was the high priest. 26:8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the church. 26:9 And it came to pass that Alma did not know concerning them; but there were many witnesses against them; yea, the people stood and testified of their iniquity in abundance. 26:10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they should be brought before the king. 26:11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes. 26:12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged. 26:13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God. 26:14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying: 26:15 Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi. 26:16 And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them. 26:17 And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people. 26:18 Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine. 26:19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. 26:20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. 26:21 And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.