The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Object. But some may object and say, Why does God then permit Sin to be in the world? he might hinder it, and he might prevent it, if he would; there could be no wickedness acted under the Sun, but by Gods permission; the Devil could not tempt Job, nor Satan could not fifth Peter without leave and commission from God neither could any wicked man act his villainy and spit out his venom, without Gods sufferance. If permission of Sin be a partaking of Sin, how shall we vindicate God from the imputation of unrighteousness?

Object. But some may object and say, Why does God then permit Sin to be in the world? he might hinder it, and he might prevent it, if he would; there could be no wickednesse acted under the Sun, but by Gods permission; the Devil could not tempt Job, nor Satan could not fift Peter without leave and commission from God neither could any wicked man act his villany and spit out his venome, without Gods sufferance. If permission of Sin be a partaking of Sin, how shall we vindicate God from the imputation of unrighteousnesse?

Answ. 1. This was Marcion's wicked and malicious cavil at Gods providence about the first Transgression; Why would not God, who foresaw the issue, hinder Eve and the Devil from conference and communion together, that so Sin might have been prevented, and the World bin everlastingly happy? unless (saith he) God was either envious and would not, or weak and could not hinder it. To which tertullian replies, Because God was arbitrary and free in his gifts. Austin answers, Because it was his will. Prosper and Hilary reply, The cause may be unknown, it cannot be unjust. All which is enough, Os obturare, to muzzle that Heaven-daring mouth of Blasphemy. But afterward Austin answers, That though sin be the worst thing in the world, yet the existence of sin is not ill; as poison would do no hurt if men would not meddle with it; but that satisfies not our case. Therefore,

Answ. 1. This was Marcion's wicked and malicious cavil at Gods providence about the first Transgression; Why would not God, who foresaw the issue, hinder Eve and the Devil from conference and communion together, that so Sin might have been prevented, and the World bin everlastingly happy? unlesse (saith he) God was either envious and would not, or weak and could not hinder it. To which ertllian replies, Because God was arbitrary and free in his gfts. Austin answers, Because it was his will. Prosper and Hilary reply, The cause may be unknown, it cannot be unjust. All which is enough, Os obturare, to muzzle that Heaven-daring mouth of Blasphemy. But afterward Austin answers, That though sin be the worst thing in the world, yet the existence of sin is not ill; as poyson would do no hurt if men would not meddle with it; but that satisfies not our case. Therefore,