The Book of the Laws of Various Countries

Some days since we were calling to pay a visit to our brother Shemashgram, and Bardesan came and found us there. And when he had made inquiries after his health, and ascertained that he was well, he asked us, “What were you talking about? For I heard your voice outside as I was coming in.” For it was his habit, whenever he found us talking about anything before he came, to ask us, “What were you saying?” that he might talk with us about it.

“Avida here,” said we to him, “was saying to us, ‘If God is one, as you say, and if He is the creator of men, and if it is His will that you should do that which you are commanded, why did He not so create men that they should not be able to do wrong, but should constantly be doing that which is right? For in this way His will would have been accomplished.’”

“Tell me, my son Avida,” said Bardesan to him, “why it has come into your mind that the God of all is not One; or that He is One, but does not will that men should behave themselves justly and uprightly?”