To Florus 2.32
For when you declare that the prince of darkness planted sexual desire in humanity, and that it is the devil’s shrub producing the human race from itself as its own fruit, you clearly betray yourself: you call the devil, rather than God, the creator of human beings. By this utterly impious doctrine both the business of marriage—that is, genital union—and all flesh are condemned.
Latin
Nam cum pronuntias, concupiscentiam carnis a principe tenebrarum in homine fuisse plantatam, eamque esse diaboli fruticem, ex se humanum genus quasi poma propria proferentem; absolute quidem proderis, quod non Deum, sed diabolum dicas hominum conditorem; quo dogmate impiissimo, et coniugiorum negotium, id est, genitalium admixtio, et caro cuncta damnatur.
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.