§ 2. Catechist. The duty
of catechizing was not limited to a class of persons permanently set
apart for that purpose, but all orders of the Clergy were accustomed to
take part in the work. Even laymen were encouraged to teach
children or new converts the first elements of religion, as we learn
from Cyril’s exhortation: “If thou hast a child
according to the flesh, admonish him of this now; and if thou hast
begotten one through catechizing, put him also on
his guard Cat. xv. 18..” That this remark was addressed
not to the Catechumens, but to such of the Faithful as happened to be
present among his audience, appears from what he says elsewhere,
“So thou likewise, though not daring before thy Baptism to
wrestle with the adversaries, yet after thou hast received the grace,
and art henceforth confident in the armour of righteousness,
must then do battle, and preach the Gospel, if thou wilt Cat. iii. 13..”