And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they [all mankind] were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord … 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. 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.