“We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions.  Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power.  For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed.  And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions.”