To Florus 1.80
Likewise, on the opposite side, when someone resolves to act wrongly to others' injury and becomes unjust or cruel, the act by which he harms others comes outward from the wickedness that an evil will sowed and generated within. But when the means are lacking by which the force of the hidden will may break out against one's neighbors, the character of kindness or malice is nevertheless complete in that will alone, when it has accomplished something good or evil not through a brief impulse but through deliberate thought and desire.
Latin
Sic et cum e diverso statuens prave agere in aliorum iniuriam, vel iniquus quis fuerit, vel crudelis; operatio qua nocet aliis, a nequitia foras proficiscitur, quam intus mala voluntas seminavit et genuit; cum vero deest facultas, per quam in proximos vis secretae voluntatis erumpat, in ipsa tamen sola voluntate, quae aliquid vel boni, vel mali, non impetu brevi, sed cogitatione appetituque patraverit, vel benignitatis est ratio impleta, vel malignitatis.
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.