Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same

The Answer.

The Answere.

The Donatists, against¹ whom blessed Augustine wrote, did think that the Church of Christ was tied or bound to one certain place, and that she could be found no where, but in Africa. and the secrete corners of the Donatists, because they thought that in all other places she was extincted or put out. In like sort these men go about to include & bring the whole church of Christ into the Papal See of Rome, so as there should be no christian church, ⟨image 30⟩but at Rome, and that church which agreed not therewith, to be excluded from Christs church. And therefore they have excommunicated the Grecian and East churches, and have hereupon stirred up grievous troubles, offences, and brawlings in the whole universal church of Christ. But to this Question we answer thus: Because the church of Christ is catholic or universal, it can not be bound, tied, or shut up into one certain place: for how can it otherwise be called the catholic or universal church? Therefore if it continue to be catholic (as the undoubted Truth doth testify) then it both hath been in times paste, and is now also in those places where the true members of Christ are: for those only are they which believe in him, call on him, worship and honour him for their only Pastor and Saviour, and have those principal tokens, whereof I have spoken before. And thus have I showed you the place wherein the true and universal Church of Christ hath heretofore ⟨p. 19⟩been, and is yet to be found. And we speak of the universal Church, which is on this earth, and not of that which is in heaven, because the place thereof is known and manifest unto the faithful.

THe Donatistes, agaynst¹