To Florus 2.106
Consequently, if natural sin is the author of so many evils, Christ’s grace certainly does not produce justification by forgiving many offenses. It carries out its work of kindness by pardoning one sin. When it promises to do so, it will make its promises good if it heals the things said to have been introduced through sin’s wound. But if, even after the remedies it has brought, the same succession of diabolical diseases persists, we owe thanks for its good intention and forgiveness for its presumption: it lacked the power to cure the inborn plagues, not the will (compare Romans 5:16) (Romans 5:16).
Latin
Ac per hoc, si est naturale peccatum tantorum auctor malorum, gratia Christi nequaquam multa delicta donando iustificationem operatur, sed uni peccato indulgendo negotium benignitatis exsequitur; quod cum se spondet acturam, fidem faciet promissis, si haec quae dicuntur per peccati vulnus invecta curaverit; ceterum si et post remedia quae detulit eadem tamen diabolicorum morborum series perseverat, voto eius gratificatio, praesumptioni venia debetur, quia ad curandum innatas pestes virtus ei defuit, non voluntas.
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.