A GENERAL knowledge of what is termed "Profane History," or the record of the principal facts and events of all the nations and peoples who have lived and flourished from the Creation to the present time, is deemed a necessary portion of a thorough education, and every effort is used to store our minds with this important and interesting information. While there are numerous and excellent works of profane history published, a reliable and authentic history of the Catholic Church has been an acknowledged want, particularly at the present time, when the Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, now in session, is awakening an interest in all the nations of the world, Catholic and Protestant, in regard to the Future of that Church, which, from her very foundation, was the means of the wonderful spread of the Gospel among all nations. In our own country, Catholic Missionaries have been the zealous and successful pioneers, not only in civilizing the Aborigines, but in discovering and developing the sources of our greatest treasures, and consequently of diffusing civilization and refinement wherever their salutary and enlightening influence has been exerted. In order to supply this want, the present work has been compiled and translated from the ablest and most reliable authors. Every important event connected with the History of the Church, her trials and her progress; her victories over persecutions, heresies, and even scandals, are briefly and impartially stated. As some are frequently deterred from reading books of this nature, by their length, and not less by the high prices they command, this volume has been prepared with the view of placing it within the reach of all, and in such language, as will prove interesting to the most casual and hasty reader. It is confidently hoped, that this work will inspire all with a new love and reverence for our Holy Mother, the Church; while the touching examples of the martyrs' constancy in persecution and torments, and the edifying lives of the saints who have adorned every century, will animate and encourage the practice of piety and virtue.