91 Therefore as they had been carnal, sensual and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.
92 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside,) as soon as they were dead, their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.
93 And now there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state which man had brought upon himself, because of his own disobedience;
94 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.
95 Now the work of justice could not be destroyed: if so God would cease to be God.
96 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 for ever to be cut off from his presence.
97 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.
98 Now repentance could not come unto men, except there were a punishment, which also was as 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.
99 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?
100 Now there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
101 Now if there was no law given, if a man murdered he should die, would he be afraid he should die if he should murder?
