To Florus 1.91
Here, then, when the Lord said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free” (John 8:36), he promised forgiveness to guilty people who, by sinning, had lost not freedom of choice but a righteous conscience. Free choice remains as complete after sins as it was before sins. Indeed, it is through its action that many renounce the hidden things of shame and, casting away the filth of disgraceful deeds, clothe themselves in the distinctions of virtue (2 Corinthians 4:2).
Latin
Hic ergo ubi dixit Dominus: Si vos Filius liberaverit, vere liberi eritis [n211] , promisit indulgentiam reis, qui peccantes non arbitrii libertatem, sed conscientiam iustitiae perdiderunt. Liberum autem arbitrium et post peccata tam plenum est, quam fuit ante peccata; siquidem ipsius opera fiat ut abdicent plerique occulta dedecoris [n212] , et flagitiorum abiectis sordibus, virtutum comantur insignibus.
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.