Full Idea
When religion teaches that human actions are predetermined, penalties imposed by law ought to be more severe, for without these measures men would behave with complete abandon. If the dogma of religion is free will, the situation is altogether different.
Gist of Idea
If religion teaches determinism, penalties must be severe; if free will, then that is different
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 24.14)
Book Reference
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.234
A Reaction
Presumably persuasion and influence come into the free will picture. Calvinist Geneva was determinist, and Catholic France for free will.