Direct quotation
Against Julian 2.10.36
When judging a case, the noise of the crowds must be put aside. From every walk of life—whether priests, administrators, or governors—we should choose wisdom, rather than mere titles, for the examination of such questions. We should honor the few whom reason, learning, and independence raise above the rest.
He promises to conduct this case against us, one man on behalf of everyone.
It brings me greater glory before God to defend truth when it has been abandoned.
Latin
In causa iudicandi, amoto strepitu turbarum, de omni ordine conversationis hominum, sive sacerdotum, sive administrantium, sive praefectorum, ad discussionem talium rerum non sola nomina, sed eligendam esse prudentiam, et honorandam esse paucitatem, quam ratio, eruditio, libertasque sublimat
ut me istam causam contra vos, unum pro omnibus agere pollicerer
maioris tibi esse apud Deum gloriae, destitutam veritatem tueri
quod ei tamquam aemulo inviderit
About this text
Earlier four-book work to Turbantius, surviving as excerpts arranged by Augustine’s witness. Latin source text is on each section when recovered.
English follows Julian’s words as Augustine excerpts them in Against Julian. This is not a recovered complete To Turbantius.
Witnesses
- Copy-text Augustine, Against Julian (Latin · Excerpts arranged by Augustine’s books)
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.