But it is time to observe, that when God is stated to be the author of evil, it is by no means meant to be understood that he approves of it in itself, that he is pleased with the infliction of pain, and like an om nipotent demon delights in scattering darts and firebrands, terror and agony, through a trembling and prostrate uni verse. The meaning is, that in the sys tem of creation most worthy of the per fections of the Deity, because eventually most conducive to the happiness of his offspring, some portion of natural and moral evil was absolutely unavoidable, and that his object is to combine, as much as possible, the least evil with the greatest good. In the accomplishment of this sub. lime object, particular beings may be ex posed to a very considerable share of suf fering ; but this is no imputation upon his justice or benevolence. He possesses a sovereign right over the creatures he has firmed, and the utmost demand that can be made by any beings upon his equity is, that in the amount of their existence misery should not predominate over hap piness. But, whatever may be the case
with certain individuals, there is reason to presume and believe, that with respect to the intelligent and moral creation as a whole, suffering will at length nearly dis appear in the grand mass and display of enjoyment. That union of wisdom, pow. er, and goodness, which it appears inevit able to ascribe to God, seems to guarantee an issue of his schemes and government, thus honourable to his nature, and thus happy for his offspring. With resigna tion, therefore, and even transport, we may contemplate this glorious Being, sit ting at the helm of the universe, managing all affairs, and administering the whole series of events, guiding all to his mag nificent purposes, guided himself by con summate knowledge and inexhaustible kindness, impelling every act, reflection and feeling of his intelligent creation himself impelled by his own boundles; views and eternal benevolence. For the arguments on the other side of the ques tion, viz. the " Liberty of the Will,' see WILL, liberty of.