in a general sense, denotes an instruction given any person in the first rudiments of an art or science; but more particularly of the Christian religion. In the ancient church, catechesis was an instruction given *viva voce*, either to children, or adult heathens, preparatory to their receiving of baptism. In this sense, *catechesis* stands contra-distincted from *mythagogica*, which were a higher part of instruction given to those already initiated, and containing the mysteries of faith. Those who give such instructions are called *catechists*; and those who receive them, *catechumens*.