RELIGION (RELIGIO) is a Latin word, derived, according to Cicero, from relegere, to reconsider; but, according to Servius and most modern grammarians, from religare, to bind fast. The reason assigned by the Roman orator for deducing religio from relego, is in these words: "Qui au-
Religious Missions. tem omnia, quæ ad cultum deorum pertinerent, diligenter retractarent, et tanquam relegerent, sunt dicti religiosi ex relegendo. The reason given by Servius for his derivation of the word is "quod mentem religio religit." If the Ciceronian etymology be the true one, the word religion will denote the diligent study of whatever pertains to the worship of the gods; but, according to the other derivation, which we are inclined to prefer, it denotes that obligation which we feel on our minds from the relation in which we stand to some superior power. In either case, the import of the word religion is different from that of theology, since the former signifies a number of practical duties, and the latter a system of speculative truths. Theology is therefore
the foundation of religion, or the science from which it springs; for no man can study what pertains to the worship of superior powers till he believe that such powers exist, or feel any obligation on his mind from a relation of which he knows nothing. The subject, in as far as it can be discussed with advantage in a work of this kind, will accordingly be resumed under the former head. (See THEOLOGY.)
RELIGIOUS is used substantially for a person engaged by solemn vows to the monastic or conventual life; or a person shut up in a monastery or convent to lead a life of devotion and austerity, under some rule or institution. The male religious are popularly called Monks and Friars; the female, Nuns and Canonesses.