30. Ep. Jo. 6.10–13 (SC 75:298–308); trans. Rettig, FOTC 92:208–14.
Against the Donatists 251
Spirit, they would speak in tongues as happened then"? Therefore, if the testimony of the presence of the Holy Spirit should not now occur by these miracles, by what does it occur? By what sign does anyone recognize that someone has received the Holy Spirit? Let each question his heart. If he loves his brother, then the Spirit of God abides in him. Let him see, let him prove himself before the eyes of God; let him see if there is in him the love of peace and unity, the love of the Church spread throughout the whole world. . . .
(13) Here, right now, let us question all heretics. Has Christ come in the flesh? [A Donatist would say:] "He has come; I believe this, I confess this." No, you don't; you deny this. "How do I deny it? You heard me confess it." No, I accuse you of denying it. You say it in words, you deny it in your heart; you say it with words, you deny it in your acts. "How," you ask, "do I deny it in my acts?" Because Christ came in the flesh precisely that He might die for us. He died for us precisely because He taught much love: "Greater love than this no one has than that he lay down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13). You do not have love because for your own honor you divide unity. Therefore, from this we understand whether one has the Spirit of God. Knock on earthen pots to see if perhaps they give back their full sound or resound poorly. See if they give off the sound of wholeness; see if there is love there. You take yourself away from the unity of the world; you divide the Church by schisms; you tear to pieces Christ's body. He has come in the flesh to gather together; you cry out precisely so that you may scatter. Therefore, this is the Spirit of God who says that Jesus has come in the flesh, who says it not with the tongue, but with acts, who says it not by making sounds, but by loving.30
Theology of Church: Catholicity
For Augustine, the true Church is one, united at the local level by charity; it is also catholic, united with other Christian churches across the globe. Augustine had, of course, become a Christian in Milan, and from the beginning saw Christianity from an internationalist perspective. He therefore badgered Donatists for being out of touch with the worldwide perspective proclaimed in the Scriptures and for being out of communion with the worldwide communion of churches, East and West. Around 405, Augustine wrote Emeritus, Donatist bishop of Caesarea in Mauretania. He notes that he had heard Emeritus was a well-educated man who would, therefore, appreciate this internationalist perspective. From Letter 87:
(1) I grieve that you are severed and separated from the Catholic Church, which is spread through the whole world, as it was foretold by the Holy Spirit.
30. Ep. Jo. 6.10–13 (SC 75:298–308); trans. Rettig, FOTC 92:208–14.