AC 4031 - The Lord Works In Freedom

AC 4031 [4]

A person's freedom is what the Lord works in,
and by which He bends him;
for all freedom is of his love or affection,
and therefore of his will.
If a person does not receive good and truth in freedom,
it cannot be appropriated to him, or become his.
For that which anyone is compelled to is not his,
but belongs to him who compels,
because although it is done by him,
he does not do it of himself.
It sometimes appears
as if a person were compelled to good,
as in temptations and spiritual combats;
but that he has then a stronger freedom
than at other times . . ..
It also appears
as if a person were compelled to good,
when he compels himself to it;
but it is one thing to compel one's self,
and another to be compelled.
When anyone compels himself,
he does so from a freedom within;
but to be compelled is not from freedom.
This being the case, it is evident into what shades,
and thus into what errors,
those are able to cast themselves
who reason concerning the Providence of the Lord,
the salvation of people,
and the damnation of many,
and yet do not know
that it is freedom by which the Lord works,
and by no means compulsion;
for compulsion in things of a holy nature
is dangerous,
unless it is received in freedom.