1 JANUARY 1870, Page 9

The Tablet has explained very clearly the order of Drocedure

in the Council, which is little understood in England. Schemata, or

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decrees on Rationalism, Pantheism, and the other doctrinal sub- jects to be submitted to it by the Pope, have been prepared by casuists and theologians, and are distributed to the Fathers, together with elaborate treatises or reports, before any debate, —and to none of these decrees the Pope has as yet given any sort of sanction. These reports and decrees are then considered by the Fathers in General Congregation,—i.e., not at an open sitting. Any father can speak who sends in his name, but only in the order of his dignity and rank. Short-hand notes of the speeches are taken, and these are submitted to the " Deputation " (or Committee) of 24 on dogma, for discussion in committee. The Deputation or Committee then reports to another General Congregation, which report is printed and distributed to the Congregation. The subject is then discussed for the second time in a General Congregation (not publicly) ; then the voting of the Fathers takes place in General Congregation ; and finally, the solemn (public) session, in which the result is reported.