To Florus 1.79
For the human being was made a rational, mortal living being, capable of virtue and vice. Through the capacity granted to him, he could either keep God's commands or transgress them, or by nature's teaching preserve the law of human fellowship. He was free to will either alternative; in this lies the substance of sin and justice. For when he draws something according to virtue for those in need, either from the springs of mercy or from the breasts of justice, it is justice itself working outwardly, which a holy will conceived and brought forth within.
Latin
Factum est enim animal rationale, mortale, capax virtutis et vitii, quod posset ex concessa sibi possibilitate vel servare Dei mandata, vel transgredi, vel magisterio naturali conservare ius humanae societatis, liberumque haberet alterutram velle partem, in quo peccati et iustitiae summa est. Nam cum aliquid secundum virtutem indigentibus, aut de misericordiae fontibus, aut de iustitiae immulget uberibus; hoc operatur foris iam ipsa iustitia, quam intus voluntas sancta concepit et peperit.
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.