NPNF1-04. Augustine: The Writings Against the Manichaeans and Against the Donatists

Chapter 26.—50. Also another Lucius of Membresa¹⁸³⁰ said: "It is written, ‘God heareth not sinners.’John ix. 31 How can he who is a sinner be heard in baptism?"¹⁸³²

1. We answer: How is the covetous man heard, or the robber, and usurer, and murderer? Are they not sinners? And yet Cyprian, while he finds fault with them in the Catholic Church, yet tolerates them.