Likewise in the same chapter, a little below, the words of Julian: 'It has been shown, therefore, that nothing can be proved through the holy Scriptures which justice cannot defend: for if in the law of God there is a perfect form of justice, nothing is permitted by it to its adversary—that is, injustice—to acquire of virtue; and through this, what reason refutes, authority cannot vindicate.' 1. To these things. I would wish that by your reasoning you might prove the childbearing of the Virgin, or conception without male intercourse [Baluz. mingling]; that God too was made man, and through the increments of the ages was led to the cross: which, because no human ratiocination certifies it, the authority of the divine utterances vindicates through faith. 2.
It is therefore to be laughed at—nay, rather to be wept over—in you, that you say: 'What reason refutes, authority cannot vindicate.' But who could count [Baluz. counts] the testimonies of the Scriptures, so great and so frequent, against this wretched little declamation of yours—in which, because reason can investigate nothing, recourse is had to faith, so that by its authority eternal salvation may be sought?