uls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the
Lord.

Alma 42:12
12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen
state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own
disobedience;

Alma 42:13
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could
not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in
this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except
it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except
it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice
could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.

Alma 42:14
14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were
in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned
them forever to be cut off from his presence.

Alma 42:15
15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except
an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for
the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to
appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just
God, and a merciful God also.

Alma 42:16
16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a
punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should
be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as
eternal also as the life of the soul.

Alma 42:17
17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could
he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there
was a punishment?

Alma 42:18
18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given,
which brought remorse of conscience unto man.

Alma 42:19
19 Now, if there was no law given--if a man murdered he should
die--would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?

Alma 42:20
20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not
be afraid to sin.

Alma 42:21
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could
justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon
the creature?

Alma 42:22
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a
repentance granted; which repentance mercy claimeth; otherwise,
justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law
inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would
be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.

Alma 42:23
23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the
penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the