271. The wicked in the pursuit of their plans are crowned with success for this reason, that it is in accordance with Divine Order, that whatever a man does, he should do from reason, and likewise from freedom; unless therefore it were left to a man to act from freedom according to his reason; unless, consequently, the devices which originate thence were successful, he could in no wise be fitted to receive eternal life; for this is instilled into a man when he is in freedom, and when his reason is enlightened. For no one can be forced to good, since nothing that is compulsory remains, because it is not the man's. That becomes his which is done from freedom according to his reason; and that is done from freedom which is done from a man's will, that is, from his love; and the will, that is, the love, is the man himself. If a man were forced to that which he does not will, his mind would constantly incline towards that which he wills. Every one, besides, strives after what is forbidden, and indeed from a hidden cause; for every one strives after freedom. From this it is evident, that unless a man were kept in freedom, good could not be provided for him.