“Suppose it is said that there are evil spirits: — if they have their power from the Gods, they cannot be evil; if from elsewhere, the Gods do not make all things. If they do not make all things, then either they wish to or cannot, or they can and do not wish; neither of which is consistent with the idea of god. We may see, therefore, from these arguments, that there is no positive evil in the world.
It is in the activities of men that the evils appear, and that not of all men nor always.”
XII. The origin of evil things; and that there is no positive evil.
On the Gods and the Cosmos
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
Sallustius 56
Roman philosopher and writerRelated quotes

“A good End cannot sanctifie evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it.”
537-539
Fruits of Solitude (1682), Part I
Context: A good End cannot sanctifie evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it. Some Folks think they may Scold, Rail, Hate, Rob and Kill too; so it be but for God's sake. But nothing in us unlike him, can please him.

Essays, The Triumph of Easter (1938)
Source: The Whimsical Christian: 18 Essays

Source: 2000s, Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), p. 55

Summa Contra Gentiles, III,126,3

This Business of Living (1935-1950)

“God will call evil men to a strict account for all the outward good that they have enjoyed.”
Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, 1652

Homily 2. Fifty Spiritual Homilies of Saint Macarius the Egyptian, trans. Arthur J. Mason.
Disputed

Source: Soldiers Live (2000), Chapter 10, “An Abode of Ravens: Recovery” (p. 397)