The Catechism of the Council of Trent

SUCH is the nature of the human mind, so limited are its inlellectual powers, that, although by means of diligent and labori- man rea oire inquiry it has been enabled of itself to investigate and dis- so cover many divine truths; yet guided solely by its own lights it could never know or comprehend most of those things by which eternal salvation, the principal end of man's creation and forma tion to the image and likeness of God, is attained. " The invi- r!ecessity

of reve

sible things of God, from the creation of the world, are," as the lation Apostle teaches, " clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made: his eternal power also and divinity."1 But " the mystery which had been hidden from ages and generations" so far transcends the reach of man's understanding, that were it not " manifested to his saints to whom God," by the gift of faith, " would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery, amongst the Gentiles, which is Christ,"2 it had never been given to human research to aspire to such wisdom

But, as " faith cometh by hearing,"3 the necessity of the assi- And of au duous labour and faithful ministry of a legitimate teacher, at all times, towards the attainment of eternal salvation is manifest, for it is written, "how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent?"4 And, indeed, never, from the very creation of the world, has God most merciful and benignant been wanting to his own; but " at sundry times ami in divers manners spoke, in times past, to the Fathers by the

Rom. i. 20. 2 Coloss. i. 26, 27. 3 Rom. x. 17 4 Rom x 14> ir,

Prophets ;" l and pointed out, in a manner suited to the times and circumstances, a sure and direct path to the happiness of heaven. But, as he had foretold that he would give a teacher, " to be the light of the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth ;"3 " in these days he hath spoken to us by his Son,"3 whom also by a voice from heaven, " from the excellent glory,"4 he has commanded all to hear and to obey; and the Son " hath given some apostles, and some prophets, and others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers,"5 to announce the word of life; that we be not carried about like children with every wind of doc trine, but Irolding fast to the firm foundation of the faith, " may be built together into a habitation of God in the Holy Ghost."0 The pas- That none…