and Urhai. The
latter was called the queen of schools. These schools, while they
flourished, were the secret of the churches' strength. The instructors
were the most learned men of their age. Aiwaz and St. Basil of Nesibis
and Urhai were among the most learned teachers. The Assyrian, Arabic
and Greek languages were taught classically. Medicine, astronomy, and
mathematics including geometry were taught. Especial attention was
given to the study of theology. There were as many as 2,000 monks and
students in some of these institutions. Their doctors of medicine were
given high positions under the Arabian and Persian governments.
Literature in the eastern languages was rich. From these schools came
great church fathers who defended the church from the heretics of the
age. There is one MSS 900 years old in the library of the Presbyterian
Mission which is called "Persecuted Simon." It was written by Simon, a
student in one of these colleges. It contains twelve lectures all
against the heretics of his age. During that period about 700 such MSS
were written. There are to-day in Europe many MSS written by these
scholars that are from 300 to 1500 years old. The New Testament was
translated into the Assyrian language in the middle of the second
century. These MSS are skillfully executed and show the beauty and
antiquity of this church. Only three of these ancient MSS are now to be
found in Persia, but there are many of them scattered in the libraries
of Europe.

CHAPTER VI.

ASSYRIAN MISSIONARY SPIRIT.

The aim of the schools mentioned in the preceding chapter was to
educate monks to become missionaries and spread the gospel. These
schools were fountains from which flowed living waters for a thirsty
land. There was no other nation in their age that possessed such a
spirit of Christian vitality. Zeal for the spread of the gospel was
burning in their hearts as a divine flame. There was a class of bishops
appointed by their leaders to awaken and keep alive this missionary
spirit. "The dying love of Christ for sinners" was the text from which
they preached. Also His last commission to His disciples, Matt. 28:19,
20. These bishops preached with an inspiration from God, and enflamed
many hearts until they were ready to sacrifice their lives for Christ.
These missionaries wore sandals on the feet, carried a staff of peace
in the hand, and a knapsack on the shoulder containing bread and
manuscripts of sacred writing. Thus equ