hren to ponder in their minds what he will state. This initial wording indicates the intricacy of the discourse he will give, and the way in which Alma hopes we receive it.
             The term "preparatory redemption" has caused me to wonder since the first in depth study I made of this chapter. To better understand the term, a series of definitions will be looked up then a synopsis of the content gathered will try to be established.
             · Webster's 1828 Dictionary:
             1. PREPAR'ATORY, adjective [Italian Spanish preparatorio; French preparatoire.] Previously necessary; useful or qualifying; preparing the way for any thing by previous measures of adaptation. The practice of virtue and piety is preparatory to the happiness of heaven.
             2. REDEMP'TION, noun [French; Italian redenzione; Spanish redencion; from Latin redemptio. See Redeem.]
             · 2. Deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil or forfeiture, either by money, labor or other means.
             · 6. In theology, the purchase of God's favor by the death and sufferings of Christ; the ransom or deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law by the atonement of Christ.
             Keeping these definitions in mind we can begin to establish questions regarding the meaning of a preparatory redemption. Does Alma refer to the preparatory redemption as coming to earth? Or, Does it signify a preparatory redemption that took place to prepare us for the redemption of sin? Is the redemption of sin included in the phrase "preparatory redemption"?
             Definition two of redemption supports the concept that man may have been originally delivered from the bondage suffered by the hosts of h
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