Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. IV:
Writings in Connection with the Donatist Controversy.: Chapter 8

Chapter 8.—14.  Pelagianus of Luperciana 1776 said:  "It is written, ‘Either the Lord is God, or Baal is God.’ 1777   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?" 1778

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? 1779   And yet it does exist with them; and in like manner also it exists among the heretics.

Footnotes

The position of Luperciana in unknown.

See 1 Kings xviii. 21.

Con. Carth. sec. 44.

Matt. vii. 24-27.