Paradise Lost

by John Milton

things By steps we may ascend to God. But say, What meant that caution joined, if ye be found Obedient? can we want obedience then 515 To him, or possibly his love desert Who formed us from the dust, and placed us here Full to the utmost measure of what bliss Human desires can seek or apprehend?165 To whom the angel. Son of Heav’n and earth, 520 Attend: that thou art happy, owe to God; That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. This was that caution giv’n thee; be advised. God made thee perfect, not immutable; 525 And good he made thee, but to persevere166 He left it in thy power, ordained thy will By nature free, not overruled by Fate Inextricable, or strict necessity; Our voluntary service he requires, 530 Not our necessitated, such with him Finds no acceptance, nor can find, for how Can hearts, not free, be tried whether they serve Willing or no, who will but what they must By destiny, and can no other choose? 535