39
does not at all alter the nature of the act. To that we are to keep. The terms and evident meaning of the document or sentence in question are the simple and single point to be regarded.
Now, then, we come to the pages of the English biographer of Galileo, and to the chapter, already pointed out, where he gives the condemuaton by the Inquisition in English at length, though not for the first time, as he erroneously supposed.[1] This document begins with stating, that the offence for which Galileo was denounced to the Holy Office was the "holding as true a false doctrine, taught by many; namely, that the sun is immovable in the centre of the world, and that the earth moves, and also, with a diurnal motion;" also, for instructing pupils, &c.; also, for correspondence with some Germans; also, for publishing certain letters, &c.; "also, for answering the objections which were continually produced from the Holy Scriptures, by glozing the said Scriptures according to his own mean-
- ↑ In Da Costa's interesting and instructive Narrative of hit own Persecution, pp. 107-114, is contained both the condemnation and abjuration of Galileo. I do not know of an English translation of them elsewhere; and I made reference to this in the Literary Policy.
