1. That the endowment of stability or infallibility in Faith was given to Peter, and from him, according to our Lord's words, confirma fratres tuos, was derived to his brethren.
2. That this endowment, which is again and again called by the Fathers and Councils the 'Privilegium Petri,' or the 'Prærogativa Sedis Petri,' was given in him to his Successors.
3. That the Successor of Peter still 'confirms his brethren' by the possession and exercise of a divine right and endowment, not only of consulting them or of convoking them, but of witnessing, teaching, and judging by a special divine assistance which preserves him, as Universal Teacher in faith and morals, from error.
The office of Peter was not to be confirmed by, but to confirm, his brethren; the same is the office of his Successor, even when apart from convocation or consultation with the Episcopate as a body, whether congregated or dispersed.
In the testimonies I have quoted it is evident that, in virtue of a divine assistance, the dogmatic judgments of the Pontiff ex cathedrâ do not receive from the episcopal body, but give to the Universal Church, an infallible declaration of truth.
I must ask you to review the evidence I have given, in all of which the promise of our Lord, 'I have prayed for thee,' &c., is either expressed or understood; and Peter's privilege of stability in faith is ascribed to his Successor as the inheritance of his See.
Mgr. Maret proceeds to ask, 'Do we contend against
