To Florus 2.21
The Manichaeans, however, rebel against both devotion and reason. They suppose that sin exists before the time of willing, which the nature of things does not allow; that the one they argue to be unjust is God; and that holy Scripture deserves slander, since they claim its written records establish a crime on the part of the deity. But none of these three things can be demonstrated by reason: neither sin without will, nor injustice in God, nor perversity in the law. Only they themselves are shown to be foolish, shameless, and impious.
Latin
Manichaeos autem et pietati et rationi rebelles, qui putent et ante tempus voluntatis esse peccatum, quod rerum natura non sinit; et Deum esse, quem argumentantur iniustum; et infamare sanctas Paginas, quarum monumentis probari allegant crimen divinitatis; quod cum ex tribus nihil queat ratione monstrari, id est, nec sine voluntate peccatum, nec in Deo iniquitas, nec in lege perversitas; soli illi stulti, impudentes et impii demonstrentur.
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.