26. But since the word Ecclesia is applied
to different things (as also it is written of the multitude in the
theatre of the Ephesians, And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed
the Assembly Acts xix. 14.), and since one
might properly and truly say that there is a Church of evil
doers, I mean the meetings of the heretics, the Marcionists and
Manichees, and the rest, for this cause the Faith has securely
delivered to thee now the Article, “And in one Holy Catholic
Church;” that thou mayest avoid their wretched meetings, and ever
abide with the Holy Church Catholic in which thou wast
regenerated. And if ever thou art sojourning in cities, inquire
not simply where the Lord’s House is (for the other sects of the
profane also attempt to call their own dens houses of the Lord), nor
merely where the Church is, but where is the Catholic Church. For
this is the peculiar name of this Holy Church, the mother of us all,
which is the spouse of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of
God (for it is written, As Christ also loved the Church and gave
Himself for it Eph. v. 25., and all the rest,)
and is a figure and copy of Jerusalem which is above, which is free,
and the mother of us all Gal. iv. 26.; which before was
barren, but now has many children.