To Florus 1.57
The sequence of reasoning obliges me to linger over explaining the condition of infants, because it does not allow matters joined by its own law to be divided. Otherwise the loss of newborn children would be easier to bear if divine majesty itself were not endangered along with them. Clear God, then, and accuse the infant. Show that what he does is just, since he cannot be God without justice, and let any person you please undergo punishment. As things stand, however, quite apart from their sacrilege, the claims you think fit together fiercely contradict one another. You say that because idolaters, murderers of their own kin, and infants are initiated through the same mysteries, all can be proved wicked. Then you add something far more absurd: that the author of this sacrament we are discussing imputes other people's sins to the innocent. This is the contradiction I named. The nature of things does not permit God at one and the same time to be so merciful that he forgives each person who confesses that person's own sins, and so cruel that he fastens someone else's sins upon an innocent person. Grant either one and you have removed the other. If he gives pardon to the guilty, he does not falsely accuse the innocent. If he falsely accuses the innocent, he never spares the guilty.
Latin
Quamquam mihi, ut de statu explicando immorer parvulorum, consequentia rationis indicit, quae res sua lege coniunctas dividi non sinit. Ceterum facilior esset iactura nascentium, si non eis compericlitaretur ipsa maiestas. Excusa igitur Deum, et accusa parvulum; iustum doceatur ille quod facit, qui sine iustitia Deus esse non potest; et quaevis suscipiat persona supplicium. Ceterum nunc extra sacrilegium res, quas putas esse consertas, mutuo sibi vehementer repugnant. Dicis enim, quoniam unis mysteriis, idololatrae ac parricidae, imbuuntur et parvuli, omnes scelestos posse convinci; et addis rem multo absurdiorem, a Sacramenti huius, de quo agimus, auctore aliena peccata innocentibus imputari. Hoc est quod pugnare dixi, quia non capit rerum natura ut uno tempore et adeo sit misericors Deus, ut propria unicuique confitenti peccata condonet; et adeo crudelis, ut innocenti impingat aliena. Horum prorsus cum alterum dederis, alterum sustulisti; si donat veniam reis, non calumniatur innoxiis; si calumniatur innocuis, numquam parcit obnoxiis.
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.