To Florus 2.49
It is clear, then, that imitation of evil human beings is not merely a consistent expression but a necessary one. For the moment, it is evident that this argument of yours lies defeated. You add that Scripture says of the devil, ‘Those who belong to his party imitate him’ (Wisdom 2:24; Latin numbering 2:25). I too agree that the author of that book, whoever he is, said this wisely. But the statement that some sin by imitating the devil does not help you unless you show that people cannot sin by imitating human beings.
Latin
Quia ergo claret, imitationem malorum hominum non solum consequenter, sed et necessario dici; hoc interim argumentum tuum iacere perspicuum est. Quod vero addis, de diabolo esse scriptum: Imitantur eum, qui sunt ex parte ipsius [n58] ; et ego assentior dictum esse prudenter ab eo, quicumque libri ipsius auctor est; sed tibi non prodest, quod scribuntur quidam diaboli imitatione peccare, nisi docueris non posse hominum imitatione delinqui.
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.