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

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 •ert•llian replies, Because God was arbitrary and free in his g•fts. 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,

2. Though God hath authority, and is of ability to prevent and hinder ⟨p. 168⟩the Commission of sin, yet he is not bound in duty so to do. God's under no tie and obligation, but his own purpose and pleasure, Deus non tenetur Legibus, God is a Law to himself. Herein lies the guilt and evil of mans permitting of sin, he is bound in duty, as well as furnished with ability, and authority to prevent it; and therefore his permitting of sin, is a partaking of sin,