To Florus 3.37
I have certainly shown that what we defend is nothing other than what reason first identifies as entirely fair, what God then confirms in his law, and what, thirdly, was carried out with praise for the deed, precisely as we maintain the command should be understood. I have also repeatedly emphasized that this is true justice, which God showed to be pleasing to him by commanding it. Thus it has been established that the Manichaean transmission of sin finds no support either in reason or in the law’s testimonies (Deuteronomy 24:16) (2 Kings 14:5–6).
Latin
Ostendi certe non nos aliud defendere, quam quod primo ratio signat aequissimum, tum etiam Deus sua lege confirmat, tertio non aliter quam asserimus, id quod fuerat praeceptum, cum operis laude completum. Inculcatum est quoque hanc veram esse iustitiam, quam placere sibi Deus etiam praecipiendo monstravit. Ac per hoc constitit nihil adminiculi Manichaeam traducem aut in ratione aut in legis testimoniis invenire.
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.