A Teacher's Defense Against His Disciple

Excerpted from the letter by Roscelin of Compiègne to Abelard

You assert, I be excluded from Christianity. I have been educated in the schools of the churches of Soissons and Rheims, as can be testified. Rome, the capital of the world, has friendlily received me, and listened to my words with great joy. In Tours where I was canon, you have been sitting at my feet as my humblest disciple as long as you have stayed in that town....

I am very said that you have called me the persecutor of good men. Maybe, I am not good; but I have always revered good men....I will not justify myself, because, if I were seeking for my own glory, my glory would be nothing....

If I have somewhat lapsed in my words and deviated from truth, I would not obstinately defend either words or assertion, but I am always more prepared to learn than to teach....Words are only breaths of the voice.