To Florus 2.37
That is the chief reason why, grieving over the churches’ ruin, we appeal to examination by men distinguished for their wisdom: to reveal not merely what is said, but what is said consistently. If the dispute were heard before such a council, you would certainly not be allowed to assert what you had denied or deny what you had affirmed. But in your book, which no discipline of shame restrains, you boldly heap together what catholics say and what Manichaeans say. You are content with this one impression: that people say you have answered. You think it pointless even to consider what weight or consistency your argument possesses.
Latin
Et hoc est propter quod maxime, miserantes Ecclesiarum ruinas, ad virorum prudentia illustrium provocamus examen, ut non quid dicatur, sed quid consequenter dicatur appareat. Si enim sub tali concilio disceptaretur, tibi utique non liceret, aut quod negaveras inferre, aut quod affirmaveras denegare; in libro vero tuo, quem nulla pudoris censura castigat, et quod Catholici dicunt, et quod Manichaei, confidenter agglomeras, hac sola opinione contentus, si respondisse dicaris; quid autem habeat ponderis oratio tua, quid constantiae, cogitare etiam ineptum putas.
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.