Tractates on the Gospel of John (continued)
106 ST. AUGUSTINE ognized him at the time he saw the dove descending. It is dear that the dove descended upon the Lord but only after he ascended from the water of baptism. The Lord was bapdzed and ascended from the water; the heavens were opened, and [John] saw the dove above him. Therefore, if the dove descended after the baptism, and before the Lord was baptized, John said to him, "Do you come to me? I ought to be baptized by you," [then] he knew beforehand him to whom he said, "Do you come to me? I ought to be baptized by you." How then did he say, "And I knew him not. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He upon whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him as a dove, he it is who baptizes with the Holy Spirit'"?
(2) That is no small question, my brothers. If you have seen the question, you have seen no small thing; it remains for the Lord to give its solution. Still I say this, if you have seen the question, it is no small thing. Look, John has been put before your eyes. John the Baptist standing at the river. Look, the Lord comes, still to be baptized, not yet baptized. Hear the voice of John, "Do you come to me? I ought to be baptized by you." Look, he already recognizes the Lord, by whom he wishes to be baptized. After his baptism the Lord ascends from the water; the heavens are opened, the Spirit descends, now John recognizes him. If he just now recognizes him, why did he say before, "I ought to be baptized by you"? But if he does not just now recognize him because he already knew him, why is it that he said, "I knew him not. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He upon whom you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon him as a dove, he it is who baptizes with the Holy Spirit'"?
16. Brothers, if this question were resolved today, it would burden you, I do not doubt, because much has already been said. But you should know that this question is so important that it alone could destroy the sect of Donatus. I have spoken to you, my beloved people, for the purpose of getting your attention, in my customary way, [but] at the same time so that you may pray for us and for yourselves, that the Lord may grant to us to speak what is proper, and that you may deserve