Alma the younger and the sons of King Mosiah had excellent parents, faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they themselves would not follow the path of their parents, instead their way was one of rebelling against God and seeking to destroy the church.
An Angel came and stopped them in their ways, causing each to reflect on that which they had done up to this point in their life. For two days Alma the younger was unable to move or speak “wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death (Mosiah 27:28).” But the Lord saw fit to merciful unto Alma and of that mercy Alma testified of the following.
My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more. - Mosiah 27:29