[20] S. Joan. Chrys. tom. i. pp. 115-122. Ed. Gaume.
[21] The words of the Christian orator are almost identical with those of Quinctilian on the same subject. “Si studiis quidem scholas prodesse, moribus autem nocere constaret, potior mihi ratio vivendi honeste, quam vel optime dicendi videretur.”—Lib. i. c. 3.
[22] Regula S. Pachomii, cap. i. cxl.
[23] Boll., Vit. S. Pach. c. 3, 4.
[24] Mabillon, Acta SS. Ord. Ben. Præf. in sec. iii.
[25] Reg. S. Basil. fus. tract. 15. Tom. 2, p. 498. Ed. Gaume.
[26] Omnes literas discant: omni tempore duabus horis, hoc est, a mane usque ad horam secundam, lectioni vacent.—S. Cæsarii Reg. ad Virg. cap. xvii.
[27] S. Leand. De Instit. Virg. cap. vi. et vii.
[28] There are, however, indications that at Alexandria at least young children took part in some of the exercises of the catechetical school. St. Clement’s hymn to the Saviour appears to have been written for his younger disciples. “O Shepherd of the lambs!” he says, “assemble Thine innocent children, and let their stainless lips sing hymns to Christ, the guide of youth.” And again: “Fed by the Divine milk of wisdom, that mother of grace has taught our infant lips, and made them taste the dew of the Spirit. Let us then sing to Christ our King.... Let us celebrate the praises of the Almighty Child.”
[29] 2 Tim. i. 5.