Theological Theses · §2534 · Louis Le Blanc de Beaulieu

The natural motion that precedes volition: Lucifer and Eve

Thesis XCVI. To make this clearer, he observes that when we contemplate something very lovable and well worth obtaining, a motion rises naturally in the will by which it is drawn toward that thing. This motion is not a volition. It is an affection of the will toward the thing, whose goodness, so to speak, touches it and entices it to will it.

According to Molina this motion normally comes before volition, in angels as well as in men, and in the state of intact nature as well as in that of fallen nature. Lucifer's will was drawn toward what he sought to gain through pride before, in time or in nature, he freely willed it. In the same way Eve was drawn toward the forbidden fruit before she willed to eat it against God's law.

Latin

XCVI. Quod ut plenius intelligi possit, observat ex contemplatione rei valde amabilis, & quam multum refert adipisci, naturaliter consurgere in voluntate motum quendam, quo voluntas ad illam afficitur: qui motus non est volitio, sed affectio voluntatis ad illam rem, a cujus bonitate quasi tangitur & allicitur ad volendum eam. Atque hic motus, juxta ipsum, volitionem antecedere solet, non tantum in hominibus, sed etiam in angelis; idque tam in statu naturae integrae, quam in statu naturae corruptae. Quoniam prius tempore, vel natura fuit Luciferum ad id affici voluntate, quod per superbiam obtinere voluit, quam illud libere vellet. Sicut prius etiam fuit, Evam affici ad pomum vetitum, quam illud comedere vellet contra legem Dei.

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