sic*, iv.] DISSERTATION SECOND. 143 



centre of the world, is an absurd proposition, false in phi- 

 losophy, heretical in religion, and contrary to the testimony 

 of Scripture. That it is equally absurd and false in phi- 

 losophy to assert that the earth is not immovable in the 

 centre of the world, and, considered theologically, equally 

 erroneous and heretical." 



These seven theologians might think themselves official- 

 ly entitled to decide on what was heretical or orthodox in 

 faith, but that they should determine what was true or 

 false in philosophy, was an insolent invasion of a territory 

 into which they had no right to enter, and is a proof how 

 ready men are to suppose themselves wise, merely be- 

 cause they happen to be powerful. At this time a promise 

 was extorted from Galileo, that he would not teach the 

 doctrine of the earth's motion, either by speaking or by 

 writing. To this promise he did not conform. His third 

 dialogue, published, though not till long afterwards, con- 

 tained such a full display of the beauty and simplicity of 

 the new system, and such an exposure of the inconsisten- 

 cies of Ptolemy and Tycho, as completed the triumph of 

 Copernicus. 



In the year 1663, Galileo, now seventy years old, being 

 brought before the Inquisition, was forced solemnly to 

 disavow his belief in the earth's motion ; and condemned 

 to perpetual imprisonment, though the sentence was after- 

 wards mitigated, and he was allowed to return to Flo- 

 rence. l The Court of Rome was very careful to publish 

 this second recantation all over Europe, thinking, no doubt, 

 that it was administering a complete antidote to the be- 



* He was thrown into prison previously to his trial, and at- 

 tempts were made to render him obnoxious to the people. From 

 the text of a priest who preached against him, we may judge 

 of the wit and the sense with which this persecution was con 

 ducted. Viri Galilaei quid statis in caelum suspickntes ? 



