To Florus 2.8
Finally, in churches that enjoy great honor and large congregations, they preach that sin has such power that, before the limbs are formed and before the soul begins or arrives, it flies over the seed as it is deposited, invades the mother’s hidden chamber, and makes the unborn guilty. Guilt, older than birth itself, waits for the substance to exist. Then this law of sin, dwelling in the limbs, compels the captive human being to serve crimes—a person who, even in shameful conduct, deserves pity more than punishment. For what we call the faults of an evil will is called an inherited affliction in the church by men, women, and eminent bishops (allusion to Romans 7:23) (Romans 7:23).
Latin
Postremo, in Ecclesiis quae magnum honorem et magnum populum possideant, praedicari tantam vim esse peccati, ut ante membrorum formam, ante initium adventumque animae, iactis seminibus supervolans, in secretum matris invadat, et reos faciat nascituros, ortuque ipso antiquior exspectet culpa substantiam; quae lex peccati habitans deinceps in membris, captivum hominem cogat servire criminibus, non castigatione in turpitudinibus, sed misericordia digniorem; quandoquidem quod nos vitia pravae voluntatis esse dicimus, id in Ecclesia a viris et feminis magnisque pontificibus originalis passio nuncupatur.
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.