The Origins and Development of Milton’s Theology in De doctrina Christiana, 1.17–18

Arminian Theology, Machiavellian Republicanism, and Cooperative Virtue in Milton'sParadise Lost

“…It is more honorable than the service provided under the Law—it is fit for sons and men, as opposed to slaves and boys—because it is voluntary and cooperative. At the same time, voluntary service is still service, and God is still responsible for human agency (see Kerr and Hale 204). Thus on the one hand Milton presents agency as a gift that flows down to human beings from God, enabling them to pursue virtue and good works as voluntarily as Adam once did, but on the other hand he also insists that God loses none of his sovereignty in this process because, precisely by pursuing virtue and good works freely, we are at the same time serving God.…”

Milton and the Anonymous Authority ofDeDoctrinaChristiana

“…“De Renovatione, ubi et de Vocatione”; “de Regeneratione” ( OCW 8: 538, 558). On the textual history of these chapters—Chapter 17 contains an unusual amount of revision in the manuscript—and its theological implications, see Kerr and Hale.…”

“…neque enim efficitur in nobis velle , quin liberè quoque agere simul efficiatur, quandoquidem haec libertas ipsum esse voluntatis est” ( OCW 8: 548). A more detailed treatment of the insertion can be found in Kerr and Hale 204‐05; the textual details appear at OCW 8: 548nn61‐62.…”