To Florus 2.109
Wisely, therefore, when speaking of Adam, he named one sin, which he intended to be understood as a model of transgression. He mentioned one, I repeat, and not many, because he knew that only one sin of Adam is recorded in the law’s history. But he praised grace for sending those it initiates out into justification from many offenses, to prevent any suspicion of a meager benefit. If he had said, ‘Grace is from one offense to justification,’ it might have seemed to abolish individual sins rather than all sins. Thus, by first mentioning one sin he remained faithful to the history; by adding, ‘Grace is from many offenses to justification,’ he commended the sacrament’s generosity and abundance (Romans 5:16).
Latin
Prudenter ergo, cum de Adam loqueretur, nominavit unum peccatum, quod voluit intellegi formam praevaricationis fuisse; ideo, inquam, unum et non multa memoravit, quia sciebat unum tantum Adae peccatum in legis historia contineri. Gratiam vero ex multis delictis in iustificationem imbutos a se laudavit emittere, ne beneficii pauperis suspicio nasceretur; et si dixisset: Gratia ex uno in iustificationem, non tam omnia videretur abolere quam singula. Quod ergo praemisit unum peccatum, fidem servavit historiae; quod subdidit: Ex multis gratia in iustificationem, munificentiam mysterii commendavit et copiam.
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.