THE great Donatist schism of the fourth century in Africa forms an important chapter of Church history. It is important in itself, being the first great trouble the Church had to suffer after the peace of Constantine, and because of so great Fathers who opposed it the fact that St. Augustine spent a considerable part of his later life in controversy against the Donatists is alone enough to give importance to their schism. But it is chiefly valuable as a test case of schism. It is the most important example of what we may call pure schism, without heresy, in Church history. So, in arguing against the Donatists, the Fathers have their opportunity of explaining what they believe about the Church and her unity. As the Arian heresy gave the Church occasion to define what she believes about the holy Trinity, so the Donatist schism was an opportunity of her explaining her faith about herself ; so much so that the writings of the Catholic Fathers in this controversy form a fairly complete treatise de Ecclesia.

DONATISM

BY ADRIAN FORTESCUE

BURNS & OATES
28 Orchard Street
London W
1917