To Florus 2.14
The advocates of inherited sin have nothing to set against the force of the reasoning that crushes them. Their other writings bear witness to this, and so do the little books we are answering. Addressed to a military man who, as he himself can acknowledge, is occupied more with other business than with literature, they beg for the help of unrestrained power against us. In their own support they keep recommending the decisions of little crowds, whether of country people or theatergoers, although no history records the deliberation by which those decisions were issued.
Latin
Et quidem quam nihil habeant Traduciani, quod vi qua proteruntur, rationis opponant, ut alia eorum scripta, ita hi, contra quos agimus, testantur libelli, qui directi ad militarem virum (quod etiam ipse profiteri potest), aliis magis negotiis quam litteris occupatum, impotentiae contra nos precantur auxilium, ac pro se sursum deorsum plebicularum, aut ruralium, aut theatralium scita commendant, quae quo sint promulgata consilio, historia nulla commemorat.
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.