Note 28 — Chapter I

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.”