Letters (Epistulae)

For why, when free will has been given to man by God, are adulteries punished by laws, while sacrileges are permitted? Or is it a lighter thing not to keep faith for the soul toward God than for a woman toward her husband? Or if those things which are committed not out of contempt but out of ignorance of religion are to be punished more mildly, must they for that reason be neglected? VI 21

Who would doubt that it is better for men to be led to worship God through teaching than to be compelled by the fear or pain of punishment? But just because the former are better, it does not mean that those who are not like that should be neglected. For we have proven through experience, and continue to prove, that it has been beneficial for many to be compelled first by fear or pain, so that they might later be taught or might follow in action what they had already learned in words. Some propose to us the sentiment of a certain secular author, who said:

"I believe it is better to restrain children by shame and liberality than by fear." Terence, Adelphoe 57-58

This is indeed true; but just as those are better whom love directs, so are there more who are corrected by fear. For, to answer them using that same author, they also read in him:

"Unless you are forced by evil, you do not know how to do right." Terence, possibly implied

Moreover, divine scripture said for the sake of those better ones:

"There is no fear in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear," 1 Jn 4:18

and for the sake of these inferior ones, who are more numerous...