To Florus 2.52

To keep our discussion on the matter at hand: generation properly concerns the sexes, while imitation always concerns minds. This disposition of a mind that imitates what it freely chooses either incriminates a person or advances him, according to the different circumstances. Thus, in good conduct, a person is said to imitate God, angels, and apostles. God: ‘Be perfect, as your Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). Angels: ‘Your will be done on earth as in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). Apostles: ‘Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 11:1). In evil conduct, however, a person imitates the devil, as Scripture says: ‘Those who belong to his party imitate him’ (Wisdom 2:24; Latin numbering 2:25). People imitate human beings: ‘Do not be gloomy like the hypocrites, disfiguring their faces’ (Matthew 6:16). They imitate animals, as in the command: ‘Do not become like a horse or mule, which have no understanding’ (Psalm 32:9; LXX/Vulgate 31:9). These words, whether encouraging or warning, show the disposition to imitate. If it were impossible, we certainly would not be told to guard against it.