To Florus 2.52
To keep our discussion on the matter at hand: generation properly concerns the sexes, while imitation always concerns minds. This disposition of a mind that imitates what it freely chooses either incriminates a person or advances him, according to the different circumstances. Thus, in good conduct, a person is said to imitate God, angels, and apostles. God: ‘Be perfect, as your Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48) (Psalm 32:9;). Angels: ‘Your will be done on earth as in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). Apostles: ‘Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 11:1). In evil conduct, however, a person imitates the devil, as Scripture says: ‘Those who belong to his party imitate him’ (Wisdom 2:24; Latin numbering 2:25). People imitate human beings: ‘Do not be gloomy like the hypocrites, disfiguring their faces’ (Matthew 6:16). They imitate animals, as in the command: ‘Do not become like a horse or mule, which have no understanding’ (Psalm 32:9; LXX/Vulgate 31:9). These words, whether encouraging or warning, show the disposition to imitate. If it were impossible, we certainly would not be told to guard against it.
Latin
Sed ut nunc nobis sermo de praesentibus sit, generatio proprie sexibus imputatur, imitatio autem semper animorum est. Hic ergo affectus animi, quod possibiliter voluerit imitantis, hominem pro diversitate causarum aut accusat, aut provehit; ita fit ut in bono et Deum, et Angelos, et Apostolos dicatur imitari; Deum: Estote perfecti, sicut Pater vester perfectus est [n61] ; Angelos: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra [n62] ; Apostolos: Imitatores mei estote, sicut et ego Christi [n63] . In malo vero imitatur diabolum, sicut dicitur: Imitantur eum, qui sunt ex parte ipsius [n64] ; imitantur homines: Nolite esse tristes sicut hypocritae, exterminantes facies suas [n65] , imitantur animalia, cum mandatur: Nolite fieri sicut equus et mulus, quibus non est intellectus [n66] . His ergo verbis, tam adhortantibus quam deterrentibus, ostenditur imitationis affectus, qui utique si esse non posset, non indiceretur cavendus.
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.