To Florus 1.135
See the task of free will: “If anyone cleanses himself” from association with cheap vessels, a name that denotes vices, “he will be a vessel sanctified for honor, useful to the Lord, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). These vessels are therefore prepared for either wrath or glory through their own pursuits. God makes his power known in both cases, either by displaying severity toward the impious or by bestowing blessing on the faithful. It is therefore clear that this statement of the outstanding teacher has given no aid to Manichaean views; on the contrary, it has consistently armed us.
Latin
Ecce officium liberae voluntatis: Si, inquit, mundaverit quis semetipsum a societate vasorum vilium (quo nomine vitia denotantur), erit vas in honorem sanctificatum, utile Domino, ad omne opus bonum paratum [n364] . Haec igitur vasa, studiis propriis, aut ad iram, aut ad gloriam praeparantur; Deus autem notam facit potentiam suam in utroque, vel severitatem in impios exserendo, vel benedictionem fidelibus largiendo. Apparuit itaque hanc sententiam egregii praeceptoris, nec Manichaeis opem sensibus attulisse, et e diverso nos consequenter armasse.
About this text
Julian’s six preserved books to Florus, quoted section by section in Augustine’s unfinished reply. Augustine’s refutations are omitted. Latin of Julian’s words is on each section.
Julian’s own books do not survive as a separate manuscript. English follows his words as Augustine quotes them in the Unfinished Work Against Julian. Augustine’s replies are omitted. We do not restore a Julian text independent of Augustine.
Witnesses
- Copy-text Augustine, Unfinished Work Against Julian (Latin · Julian’s words as quoted, Books 1–6)
- Checked print Augustinus.it Latin of the Unfinished Work (Latin · Same work)
- Checked print Migne PL 45 (Latin · Hard cases)
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. Open Latin on each section (or the Latin source witness link) for the source text. This is not a complete critical edition.