Thoughts on the Will

Liberty of will, in some sense, is essential to moral government; we must make a distinction between man and inanimate objects. Exhortation, persuasion, commands, are proper, and in this, man is regarded as capable of voluntary action, and of being influenced in his conduct by these things. I have found that it is essential to the well being of a church that the brethren be exhorted to duty, to love and good works, and I believe our people have neglected these things too much. I have felt the need of these things myself, and when I have been urged to duty by my brethren I have sensibly felt the benefit of it. The doctrine that the will is determined by the strongest motive is consistent with exhortation, and makes it proper that we persuade men to obedience. The notion that the will is self-determining is not consistent with exhortation, for if it be self-determining it is capable of choosing independent of motives.