INTRODUCTION.
1. By the word religion we may signify the virtue which disposes us to worship God; or we may signify a system of truths, laws, and practices by which this virtue is regulated and exercised. In this latter meaning, the Christian religion is that system of truths, laws, and practices for the worship of God which was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is taught in its fulness by the Catholic Church, and by the Catholic Church alone; that is by that conspicuous body of Christians which, while existing in all nations, and comprising as many members as all the other Christian bodies taken together, is yet perfectly united in doctrine and worship by submission to one Supreme Pontiff the Pope of Rome. For the word Catholic (κατα through, ολος whole) means "universal"; and therefore this name cannot be claimed without self-contradiction by any very limited body of men. The term "Roman" is often prefixed to the name of the Catholic Church, not to distinguish it from other Catholic churches, — for there is evidently only one universal Church, — but to emphasize the fact that this vast body of worshippers is united in obedience to the one Bishop of Rome.
2. The study of the Catholic religion is begun by the children of the Church from the first dawn of reason; and such is its importance, such also are its beneficial results, that it should be continued by them through life.
