s, are the natural educators of children.

5. Religious instruction is an essential factor of the school work. It
is of the highest importance that children should be brought up "in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord."

BASIL THE GREAT (329-379)

Basil the Great was born at Caesarea. He studied at Constantinople and
Athens, and sat at the feet of the greatest pagan philosophers and
teachers of his time. He was not perverted by their teachings, but told
them frankly that, though they possessed all learning, he had found
something greater than this, and that was the Christ. Basil was one of
the foremost Fathers of the Church, a great writer, and a promoter of
education. He was very fond of classic literature, and, in face of the
bitter opposition of many of the Church Fathers, urged its proper use in
the schools. He was instrumental in founding monasteries, hospitals,
orphanages, and refuges for the poor.

=Pedagogical Teachings.=--1. Every misdeed should be punished in such a
way that the punishment shall be an exercise in self-command and shall
tend to correct the fault. For example, if a child has lied, used
profane language, or been quarrelsome, give him solitude and fasting. If
he is greedy and gluttonous, let him stand by and see others eat while
he remains hungry.

2. Orphan children and those that are dependent should be taught in the
cloister.

3. The Bible, with its stories, promises, history, and doctrines, should
be the chief text-book.

4. Not only monks and priests should be allowed to teach, but also the
laity.

5. Children while still young and innocent must be taught good habits
and right precepts.

It is worthy of note that Chrysostom and Basil were the first to mark
out definite lines of Christian instruction. During this period, also,
the first songs of the Christian Church originated in the huts and caves
of the poor. Thus in religious instruction and church song the
foundations of the Christian common school were laid.

=Catechetical Schools.=--The principal catechetical school was
established at Alexandria A.D. 181, by Pantaenus. Others were
located later at Antioch, Odessa, and Nisibis. The Alexandrian school,
however, was by far the most important. Alexandria, at the close of the
second century, was the seat of philosophy, as Athens had formerly been.
It possessed the most important library in the world, and students and
sages from all parts of the world flocked to this place of