_Bruno._ “Not a great deal, having devoted myself to philosophy, which has been my profession.”
_Inquisitor._ “Have you ever vituperated the theologians and their decisions, calling their doctrine vanity and other similar opprobrious names?”
_Bruno._ “Speaking of the theologians who interpret Holy Scripture, I have never spoken otherwise than well. I may have said something about some one in particular, and blamed him,--some Lutheran theologian, for instance, or other heretics,--but I have always esteemed the Catholic theologians, especially St. Thomas, whose works I have ever kept by me, read, and studied, and honored them, and I have them at present, and hold them very dear.”
_Inquisitor._ “Which have you reckoned heretical theologians?”
_Bruno._ “All those who profess theology, but who do not agree with the Roman Church, I have esteemed heretics. I have read books by Melanchthon, Luther, Calvin, and by other heretics beyond the mountains, not to learn their doctrine nor to avail myself of it, for I deemed them more ignorant than myself, but I read them out of curiosity. I despise these heretics and their doctrines, because they do not merit the name of theologians, but of pedants; for the Catholic ecclesiastical doctors, on the contrary, I have the esteem I should.”
_Inquisitor._ “How, then, have you dared to say that the Catholic faith is full of blasphemies, and without merit in God’s sight?”
_Bruno._ “Never have I said such a thing, neither in writing, nor in word, nor in thought.”
_Inquisitor._ “What things are needful for salvation?”
_Bruno._ “Faith, hope, and charity. Good works are also necessary; or it will suffice not to do to others that which we do not wish to have done to us, and to live morally.”
_Inquisitor._ “Have you ever denounced the Catholic religious orders, especially for having revenues?”
_Bruno._ “I have never denounced one of them for any cause; on the contrary, I have found fault when the clergy, lacking income, are forced to beg; and I was surprised, in France, when I saw certain priests going about the streets to beg, with open missals.”
_Inquisitor._ “Did you ever say that the life of the clergy does not conform to that of the Apostles?”
_Bruno._ “I have never said nor held such a thing!” And as he said this he raised his hands, and looked about astonished. In answer to another question, he continued: “I have said that the Apostles achieved more by their preaching, good life, examples, and miracles than force can accomplish, which is used against those who refuse to be Catholics; without condemning this method, I approve the other.”
