BY THE SAME ORATION AGAINST THE MANICHAEANS
Consisting of twelve syllogisms, by which it is proven that evil is corruptible and created and non-subsistent, and that its father, the devil, is not unbegotten.
A If any thing is evil, it must be punished; but nothing which is punished is incorruptible. Therefore, no evil is incorruptible.
Nothing corruptible is unbegotten; but evil is corruptible. Therefore, evil is not unbegotten.
Nothing is evil by essence, because evil is a quality. But no quality is an essence. Therefore, evil is not an essence.
All opposites are corruptible by one another; but those things which are unbegotten are not corruptible. Therefore, opposites are not incorruptible.
Nothing unbegotten is mutable; but the good is mutated when it is overcome by evil. Therefore, the good is not unbegotten.
That which is unbegotten has no appetite for destruction, nor can it cause destruction; but evil has an appetite for destruction. B Therefore, evil is not unbegotten.
The divine Scriptures testify that not only other evil ones, but the devil himself is delivered to punishments; but everything delivered to punishment is mutable; and nothing mutable is unbegotten. Therefore, none of the evils are unbegotten.
Of things which are wholly contrary to one another, there is nothing in common. So that it is of absolute necessity that, as the good exists, that which is evil does not exist.
Everyone who naturally seeks to have their own desire fulfilled and perfected, sees it insofar as they seek it naturally; but since malice is held in the desire for corruptible things, it will be destroyed. But if it is destroyed, it is not unbegotten.
If evil were unbegotten according to nature, its being evil would belong to it by nature. But no one who acts according to nature commits sin; therefore, that which is unbegotten does not sin. That which does not sin is not subject to blame; but Satan is subject to blame. Therefore, he is not unbegotten. C