“The gospel message is a voice of gladness, a declaration of good news, a proclamation of peace. It has been delivered to make of us a happy people. But we are also under obligation to take seriously the manner in which the message is presented. Souls are at stake” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary, 3:283).
The superscription to Alma 38 was part of the ancient record translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith and dictated by him to his scribe (see also, for example, 2 Nephi, Mosiah 9, and Helaman).
The italicized words “Comprising chapter 38” were not part of the ancient record but were added later to printed editions of the Book of Mormon.