N05663:124
A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of…
A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of will, which is supposed to be essential to moral agency, virtue and vice, reward and punishment, praise and blame. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the church in Stockbridge. ; [One line from Romans]A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of will, which is supposed to be essential to moral agency, vertue and vice, reward and punishment, praise and blame. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the church in Stockbridge. ; [One line from Romans]
printed by S. Kneeland, 1754
Part 2 › Section 2: Several supposed Ways of evading the foregoing Reasoning, considered.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, To say, the Faculty, or the Soul, determines it's own Volition, but not by any Act, is a Contradiction. Because for the Soul to direct, decide, or determine any Thing, is to act; and this is supposed; for the Soul is here spoken of as being a Cause in this Affair, bringing something to pass, or doing something; or, which is the same Thing, exer•ing it self in order to an Effect, which Effect is the Determination of Volition, or the particular Kind and Manner of an Act of Will. But certain•y, this Exertion or Action is not the same with the Effect, in order to the Production of which it is exerted; but must be something prior to it.
Thirdly, To say, the Faculty, or the Soul, determines it's own Volition, but not by any Act, is a Contradiction. Because for the Soul to direct, decide, or determine any Thing, is to act; and this is supposed; for the Soul is here spoken of as being a Cause in this Affair, bringing something to pass, or doing something; or, which is the same Thing, exer•ing it self in order to an Effect, which Effect is the Determination of Volit•on, or the particular Kind and Manner of an Act of Will. But certain•y, this Exertion or Action is not the same with the Effect, in order to the Production of which it is exerted; but must be something prior to it.
Again, The Advocates for this Notion of the Freedom of the Will, speak of a certain Sovereignty in the Will, whereby it has Power to determine it's own Volitions. And therefore the Determination of Volition must itself be an Act of the Will; for otherwise it can be no Exercise of that supposed Power and Sovereignty.
Again, The Advocates for this Notion of the Freedom of the Will, speak of a certain Sovere•gnty in the Will, whereby it has Power to determine it's own Volitions. And therefore the Determination of Volition must itself be an Act of the Will; for otherwise it can be no Exercise of that supposed Power and Sovereignty.