Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I/Volume IV/Donatist Controversy/On Baptism/Book VII/Chapter 8

14.&#160; Pelagianus of Luperciana said:&#160; "It is written, &#8216;Either the Lord is God, or Baal is God.&#8217; &#160; So now either the Church is the Church, or heresy is the Church.&#160; Further, if heresy be not the Church, how can the baptism of the Church exist among heretics?"

15.&#160; To him we may answer as follows:&#160; Either Paradise is Paradise, or Egypt is Paradise.&#160; Further, if Egypt be not Paradise, how can the water of Paradise be in Egypt?&#160; But it will be said to us that it extends even thither by flowing forth from Paradise.&#160; In like manner, therefore, baptism extends to heretics.&#160; Also we say:&#160; Either the rock is the Church, or the sand is the Church.&#160; 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? &#160; And yet it does exist with them; and in like manner also it exists among the heretics.