To Florus 3.167
In that first work I had already argued about fleshly desire or pleasure, also called lust, implanted in the sexes for the reproductive activity of generation. I showed that it is nothing other than one of the body’s instruments, implanted alike in rational and irrational beings and belonging to God’s work, since he equipped our flesh with sensations. Yet Augustine attacks it fiercely, calling it evil—that is, natural sin and the parent of every sin. He tries to persuade us chiefly from its shame, and mocks me for being ashamed to name it directly.
Latin
Et quamvis iam pro concupiscentia vel voluptate carnis, quae etiam libido dicitur, quae sexibus ob virilitatem propagationis inserta est, primo illo opusculo eatenus disputaverim, ut docerem illam nihil aliud esse quam unam de instrumentis corporis rationabilibus et irrationabilibus aeque inditam ad Dei operam pertinentem, qui carnem nostram in sensibus affecisset, tamen, quia ei vehementer Augustinus incumbit eamque dicit malam, id est peccatum esse naturale atque omnium peccatorum parentem, quod pudore eius potissimum persuadere conatur meque irridet, qui eam erubescam nominare directim.
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.