been made In a few places the order has been rearranged; simpler and more idiomatic terms and phrases have been substituted for others that were less familiar, or foreign in construction, or too technical. Some questions and answers have been recast for the sake of clearness; and some new ones have been inserted. In many cases where this has been done, as, for example, in the section on the creation of man, the new forms have been taken from the Catechism of Pius X. The historical sketch has been brought down to the present day; and, that it might not, in consequence, demand an unduly large share of space, some of the preceding paragraphs have been condensed. The changes which have been instituted in Church discipline since the publication of the previous edition have been incorporated. In the exposition of duties more account has been taken to make it meet the conditions of life in this country.
Some more changes in the text, looking towards further simplification, were suggested by persons interested in the work. It must be remembered, however, that, especially on dogmatic subjects, accuracy cannot always be safeguarded without a close adhesion to the language of theology. As Bossuet has wisely said, terms not understood at first may come to be understood later on by the help of reflection; and it is better that the less advanced and less capable should find things which they cannot quite understand, than that the more advanced and intelligent should be deprived of anything useful to them. Besides, this work is not intended for the younger children, but for pupils in the more advanced classes, of elementary schools, for high schools, colleges, academies, Sunday schools and for private instruction.
