To Florus 2.139
Yet I have argued far too gently. Even if Christ were shown, from the time he came, to have blocked the road to death for all human beings and given everyone everlasting life—so that from the very day ‘the Word became flesh’ (John 1:14) absolutely no one fell into sin or feared punishment for sin—the first wickedness would still not have the same character as this later generosity. For God can and commonly does help the undeserving, earning praise for mercy; but he cannot punish those who have not sinned without overthrowing justice.
Latin
Quamvis nimis molliter egerim; etsi enim Christus ex eo quo venit tempore universis hominibus doceretur et iter interclusisse mortis et vitam donasse perpetuam, ut nemo prorsus ex eo die, quo Verbum caro factum est [n187] , aut in peccatum laberetur aut pro peccato poenam timeret, non tamen ea condicio primae iniquitatis, quae liberalitatis doceretur extremae, quoniam subvenire non merentibus potest et solet Deus cum laude clementiae, punire autem non peccantes non potest sine eversione iustitiae.
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.