Page:History of Freedom.djvu/579

 THE VATICAN COUNCIL

535

The first decree was withdrawn, and referred to the Commission on Doctrine. Another, on the duties of the episcopate, was substituted; and that again was followed by others, of which the most important was on the Catechism. While they were being discussed, a petition was prepared, demanding that the infallibility of the Pope should be made the object of a decree. The majority undertook to put a strain on the prudence or the reluctance of the Vatican. Their zeal in the cause was warmer than that of the official advisers. Among those who had the responsibility of conducting the spiritual and temporal government of the Pope, the belief was strong that his infallibility did not need defining, and that the definition could not be obtained without needless obstruction to other papal interests. Several Cardinals were in opportunists at first, and afterwards promoted intermediate and conciliatory proposals. But the business of the Council \vas not left to the ordinary advisers of the Pope, and they were visibly compelled and driven by those \vho represented the In ajority. At times this pressure \vas no doubt convenient. But there were also times \vhen there was no collusion, and the majority really led the authorities. The initiative was not taken by the great mass whose zeal was stimulated by personal allegiance to the Pope. They added to the momentum, but the impulse came from men who were as independent as the chiefs of the opposition. The great Petition, supported by others pointing to the same end, was kept back for several weeks, and was presented at the end of January. At that time the opposition had attained its full strength, and presented a counter - petition, praying that the question might not be introduced. It was written by Cardinal Rauscher, and \vas signed, with variations, by 137 bishops. To obtain that number the address avoided the doctrine itself, and spoke only of the diffi- culty and danger in defining it; so that this, their most irnposing act, was a confession of inherent \veakness, and a signal to the majority that they might force on the