To Florus 1.38
We may reasonably understand its difference as the varying administration suited to different times. For example, animal sacrifices were commanded in the Old Testament. Performing them then belonged to reverence for the command; now the command to refrain from them serves the justice that gives the command just as offering them did then. Its measure or fixed limit is that it commands no one to do more than that person's strength permits, and that it does not repel mercy. Its quality is understood as that through which it tastes sweet to devout minds. Justice therefore undoubtedly exists; without it there is no divinity. If it did not exist, God would not exist. But God does exist; therefore justice unquestionably exists. It is nothing other than the virtue that embraces all things and restores to each what belongs to that person, without deceit or favoritism. Its chief dwelling is in the depths of divinity.
Latin
Differentiam vero eius non absurde intellegere possumus, variam pro opportunitate temporum dispensationem. Verbi gratia, hostiae de pecoribus in Vetere Testamento fuerant imperatae. Id tunc implere pertinebat ad reverentiam iussionis; nunc vero indicta eorum dissimulatio ita servit iustitiae praecipienti, ut tunc oblatio serviebat. Modus vero eius est vel status, quod nec cuiquam amplius quam vires patiuntur indicit, vel quod misericordiam non retundit. Qualitas autem eius intellegitur, per quam piis mentibus sapit dulciter. Est igitur procul dubio iustitia, sine qua deitas non est; quae si non esset, Deus non esset; est autem Deus, est itaque sine ambiguitate iustitia. Non est autem aliud quam virtus omnia continens, et restituens suum unicuique, sine fraude, sine gratia. Consistit autem maxime in divinitatis profundo.
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.