A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of…

SECTION III. The Reasons why some think it contrary to common Sense, to suppose those Things which are necessary, to be worthy of either Praise or Blame.

'TIS abundantly affirmed and urged by Arminian Writers, that it is contrary to common Sense, and the natural Notions and Apprehensions of Mankind, to suppose otherwise than that Necessity (making no Distinction between natural and moral Necessity) is inconsistent with Virtue and Vice, Praise and Blame, Reward and Punishment. And their Arguments from hence have been greatly triumphed in; and have been not a little perplexing to many who have been friendly to the Truth, as clearly revealed in the holy Scriptures: It has seemed to them indeed difficult, to reconcile Calvinistic Doctrines with the Notions Men commonly have of Justice and Equity. And the true Reasons of it seem to be these that follow.

'TIS abundantly affirmed and urged by Arminian Writers, that it is contrary to common Sense, and the natural Notions and Apprehensions of Mankind, to suppose otherwise than that Necessity (making no Distinction between natural and moral Necessity) is inconsistent with Vertue and Vice, Praise and Blame, Reward and Punishment. And their Arguments from hence have been greatly triumphed in; and have been not a little perplexing to many who have been friendly to the Truth, as clearly revealed in the holy Scriptures: It has seem'd to them indeed difficult, to reconcile Calvinistic Doctrines with the Notions Men commonly have of Justice and Equity. And the true Reasons of it seem to be these that follow.

I. 'Tis indeed a very plain Dictate of common Sense, that natural Necessity is wholly inconsistent with just Praise or Blame. If Men do Things which in themselves are very good, fit to be brought to pass, and very happy Effects, properly against their Wills, and can't help it; or do them from a Necessity that is without their Wills, or with which their Wills have no Concern or Connection; then 'tis a plain Dictate of common Sense, that it's none of their Virtue, nor any moral Good in them; and that they are not worthy to be rewarded or praised; or at all esteemed, honoured or loved on that Account. And on the other Hand, that if from like Necessity they do those Things which in Themselves are very unhappy and pernicious, and do them because they can't help it; the Necessity is such, that it is all one whether they will them, or no; and the Reason why they are done, is from Necessity only, and not from their Wills; 'Tis a very plain Dictate of common Sense that they are not at all to blame; there is no Vice, Fault, or moral Evil at all in the Effect done; nor are they who are thus