To Florus 5.49
This distinction has such force that, if through ignorance we conclude in necessity what begins from possibility, every crime returns to God. Mani saw this and invented darkness as sin’s author, since he could not distinguish possibility from necessity. Everything a human being possesses naturally, therefore, he has received on the side of necessity, because he could not be otherwise than he was made.
Latin
Tantum ergo valet ista distinctio, ut si nescientes, quod a possibili incipit, in necessarium concludamus, omnia crimina ad Deum recurrant. Quod Manichaeus videns, tenebras peccati excogitavit auctores; non enim valuit inter possibile necessariumque distinguere. Omne ergo quod naturaliter habet homo, a necessarii parte sortitus est; quia non potuit aliter esse quam factus est.
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.