4 JULY 1868, Page 2

The Pope has issued a Bill summoning a General Council

of the Catholic Church for the 8th December, 1869. All Bishops unable to appear are to be represented by proxy, and it is hinted that the objects of the Council will be to confirm the temporal power, to denounce civil marriage, and to declare the control of education the moral right of the Church. We are assured that a great attempt will also be made to secure a vote declaring the infallibility of the Pope, a dogma which will modify the whole character of Catholicism. It seems probable that the Council, if held at all, will be attended by all Catholic Bishops throughout the world, and by consecrating the propositions of the Syllabus will deepen the terrible chasm between the Laity and the Church. There are many days, however, betwixt this and the 8th December, 1869.