2. Ps. cxxiv. 3.
CHAPTER V
Ecclesiastical Intercession
IN CrviL Affairs
A. Mercy for Heretics: Letters to Donatus and Marcellinus
Donatus, His Noble and Deservedly Honourable Lord, and Eminently Praiseworthy Son, Augustine sends greeting in the Lord.
I would indeed that 5ie African Church were not placed in such trying circumstances as to need the aid of any earthly power. But since, as the apostle says, "there is no power but of God," ^ it is unquestionable that, when by you the sincere sons of your CathoUc Mother help is given to her, our help is in the name of the Lord, "who made heaven and earth." ^ For oh, noble and deservedly honourable lord, and eminently praiseworthy son, who does not perceive that in the midst of so great calamities no small consolation has been bestowed upon us by God, in that you, such a man, and so devoted to the name of Christ, have been raised to the dignity of proconsul, so that power alhed with your goodwill may restrain the enemies of the Church from their wicked and sacrilegious attempts? In fact, there is only one thing of which a. Letters, C, 1-2.
1. Rom. xiii. 1.
2. Ps. cxxiv. 3.