To Florus 1.140
Both the prophet and the apostle therefore introduced the potter as an example to serve only as a comparison, not to indicate that human beings are as worthless in God's sight as clay is in potters' kiln and wheel. Having completed the explanation just given, we point out that according to the recent translation another meaning shines out in the same passage: “Drop dew, heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the righteous one. Let the earth open and bring forth the Savior, and let righteousness arise together with him. I, the Lord, created him. Woe to one who contradicts his maker, a potsherd among the earth's earthenware! Does the clay say to its potter, ‘What are you doing?’ and ‘Your work has no hands’?” (Isaiah 45:8–9).
Although historically these words describe King Cyrus, prophetically they describe the Savior's incarnation. Since he was to be born of the Virgin, the stubbornness of Jews and all unbelievers is challenged, so that they may not be enemies of trustworthy signs. For after saying, “Let the earth open and bring forth the Savior, and let righteousness arise together with him”, he said: “I, the Lord, created him.”
Latin
Et a Propheta ergo, et ab Apostolo, in exemplum adductus est figulus, nihil aliud praebiturus, quam comparationis officium; non tamen ut tam viles apud Deum esse homines indicentur, quam argilla est in fornace et orbe figulorum. Absoluta hac expositione quam praemisimus, admonemus secundum interpretationem recentem in eodem loco aliud relucere. Rorate, inquit, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum; aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem, et iustitia oriatur simul; ego Dominus creavi eum. Vae qui contradicit fictori suo, testa de samiis terrae; numquid dicit lutum figulo suo: Quid facis? Et opus tuum absque manibus est? [n375] Quibus verbis etsi secundum historiam Cyrus rex, secundum prophetiam tamen incarnatio Salvatoris exprimitur; qui quoniam erat de Virgine nasciturus, Iudaeorum et omnium infidelium obstinatio convenitur, ne sint signis fidelibus perduelles. Cum enim praemisisset: Aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem, et iustitia oriatur simul. Ego Dominus, inquit, creavi eum.
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.