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 of its history must enhance its worth, and may, it is hoped, prove acceptable to the learned reader.

It has already been observed, that the Roman Catechism owes its origin to the zeal and wisdom of the Fathers of Trent: the Decree of the Council for its commencement was passed in the twenty-fourth session; and its composition was confided to individuals recommended, no doubt, by their superior piety, talents and learning. That, during the Council, a Congregation had been appointed for the execution of the work, is matter of historic evidence; but whether, before the close of the Council, the work had actually been commenced, is a point of interesting, but doubtful inquiry. It is certain, however, that amongst those who, under the superintending care of the sainted Archbishop of Milan, were most actively employed in its composition, are to be numbered three learned Dominicans, Leonardo Marini, subsequently raised to the Archiepiscopal throne of Lanciano, Francisco Foreiro, the learned translator of Isaias, and gidius Foscarrari, Bishop of Modena, names not unknown to history and to literature. Whether to them exclusively belongs the completion of the Catechism, or whether they share the honor and the merit with others, is a question which, about the middle of the last century, enlisted the zeal and industry of contending writers. The Letters and Orations of Pogianus, published by Lagomarsini, seem however, to leave the issue of the contest no longer doubtful. Of these letters one informs us, that three Bishops were appointed by the Sovereign Pontiff to undertake the task: of the three Dominicans already mentioned, two only had been raised to the episcopal dignity; and hence a fourth person, at least, must have been associated to their number and their labors. That four persons had been actually appointed by the Pontiff appears from the letter of Gratianus to Cardinal Commendon: and after much research, Lagomarsini has discovered that this fourth person was Muzio Calini, Archbishop of Zara. The erudite and accurate Tiraboschi has arrived at the