Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I/Volume IV/Donatist Controversy/Answer to the Letters of Petilian, the Donatist/Book II/Chapter 56

by Philip Schaff et al.

Chapter 56.—127.  Petilianus said:  "But even if, as you yourselves suppose, you are following the law of the Lord in purity, let us nevertheless consider the question of the most holy law itself in a legal form.  The Apostle Paul says, ‘The law is good, if a man use it lawfully.’^[1]  What then does the law say?  ‘Thou shalt not kill.’  What Cain the murderer did once, you have often done in slaying your brethren."

 128.  Augustin answered:  We do not wish to be like you:  for there are not wanting words which might be uttered, as you too utter these; and known also, for you do not know these; and set forth in the conduct of a life, as these are not set forth by you.

Footnotes

1. 1 Tim. i. 8.