Writings in Connection with the Donatist ControversyAugustine, of Hippo, Saint
ReligionChristian
Writings in Connection with the Donatist Controversy
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint
Donatists; Donatists -- Controversial literature
13. To him the answer is: If light and darkness can agree, then can
there be something common between the righteous and unrighteous. Let
him therefore declare his judgment that those unrighteous should be
baptized afresh whom Cyprian confuted within the Church itself; or let
him who can say if those are not unrighteous who renounce the world in
words and not in deeds.
* * * * *
CHAP. VIII.--14. Pelagianus of Luperciana[542] said: "It is written,
'Either the Lord is God, or Baal is God.'[543] So now either the Church
is the Church, or heresy is the Church. Further, if heresy be not the
Church, how can the baptism of the Church exist among heretics?"
15. To him we may answer as follows: Either Paradise is Paradise, or
Egypt is Paradise. Further, if Egypt be not Paradise, how can the water
of Paradise be in Egypt? But it will be said to us that it extends even
thither by flowing forth from Paradise. In like manner, therefore,
baptism extends to heretics. Also we say: Either the rock is the
Church, or the sand is the Church. Further, since the sand is not the
Church, how can baptism exist with those who build upon the sand by
hearing the words of Christ and doing them not?[544] And yet it does
exist with them; and in like manner also it exists among the heretics.
* * * * *
CHAP. IX.--16. Jader of Midila[545] said: "We know that there is but
one baptism in the Catholic Church, and therefore we ought not to admit
a heretic unless he has been baptized in our body, lest he should think
that he has been baptized outside the Catholic Church."
17. To him our answer is, that if this were said of those unrighteous
men who are outside the rock, it certainly would be falsely said. And
so it is therefore also in the case of heretics.
* * * * *
CHAP. X.--18. Likewise another Felix of Marazana[546] said: "There is
one faith, one baptism,[547] but of the Catholic Church, to which alone
is given authority to baptize."
19. What if another were to say as follows: One faith, one baptism, but
of the righteous only, to whom alone authority is given to baptize?
As these words might be refuted, so also may the judgment of Felix be
refuted. Do even the unrighteous, who are not[548] changed in heart in
baptism, while they renounce the world in words and not in deeds, yet
belong to the members of the Church? Let them consider whether such a
Church is the actual rock, the very dove, the bride herself without
spot or wrinkle.[549]
* * * * *
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