Historical-Critical Dissertation on the Ancient and New Manichaeans

perpetuity original: "perpetuitatem", several things are required for the nature of tradition: first, the truth and holiness of the doctrine handed down; likewise, the authority of God who speaks; and again, the authority of men—both those to whom such doctrine was divinely delivered, such as the Apostles, and those who succeeded them, such as the bishops, who have continually propagated it by the living voice viva voce, and delivered the doctrine and discipline to their posterity as if received hand to hand. Furthermore, for the nature of tradition, no discrepancy is allowed; indeed, the highest conformity with the written word of God and good morals is necessary; finally, the authority of the universal Church in accepting, guarding, and defending the doctrine handed down. Augustine provides the notion of Ecclesiastical tradition in these words in Book 2 of On Baptism, against the Donatists The Donatists were a North African sect who argued that the validity of sacraments depended on the moral purity of the priest; Augustine argued against them, stating sacraments belong to Christ, not the minister, chapter 7, number 12, volume 9:

There are many things which are not found in the writings of the Apostles, nor in the Councils of their successors; and yet, because they are kept by the whole Church, they are believed to have been handed down and commended by none other than the Apostles themselves.

And again in Book 4 of On Baptism, against the Donatists, chapter 24, number 31, volume 9:

That which the universal Church holds, and which was not instituted by Councils but has always been retained, is most rightly believed to have been delivered by nothing less than Apostolic authority.

Furthermore, concerning that ancient custom of receiving baptized heretics who return to the Church by the Christian rite without a repetition of baptism The early Church debated whether people baptized by heretical groups needed to be "re-baptized" upon joining the mainstream Church; Augustine held that the original baptism was valid because of the Holy Spirit, not the person performing it—just as he does regarding many other things—the Holy Doctor A title for St. Augustine writes these things in Book 5 of On Baptism, against the Donatists, chapter 23, number 31, volume 9:

That custom, which was opposed to Cy-