These two series of generations accordingly, the one of Cain, the other of Seth, represent the two cities in their distinctive ranks, the [latter] one the heavenly city, which sojourns on earth, the other the earthly, which gapes after earthly joys, and grovels in them as if they were the only joys.
Augustine, City of God, 15:15
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Since God is the highest good, He would not allow any evil to exist in His works, unless His omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.
Augustine, Enchiridion, XI
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This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He should allow evil to exist, and out of it produce good. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Q. 2, Art. 3, Reply Objection 1
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I declare that I know not which is preferable β a disadvantage which proves to be a benefit, or an advantage which proves to be a hindrance.
Michelangelo, [βTo Pope Clement VII in Rome,β January 1524] The Letters of Michelangelo1