Page 94 - les-miserables

CHAPTER XIII

WHAT HE BELIEVED

We are not obliged to sound the Bishop of D—— on the
score of orthodoxy. In the presence of such a soul we feel
ourselves in no mood but respect. The conscience of the just
man should be accepted on his word. Moreover, certain na-
tures being given, we admit the possible development of all
beauties of human virtue in a belief that differs from our
own.
What did he think of this dogma, or of that mystery?
These secrets of the inner tribunal of the conscience are
known only to the tomb, where souls enter naked. The point
on which we are certain is, that the difficulties of faith never
resolved themselves into hypocrisy in his case. No decay is
possible to the diamond. He believed to the extent of his
powers. ‘Credo in Patrem,’ he often exclaimed. Moreover,
he drew from good works that amount of satisfaction which
suffices to the conscience, and which whispers to a man,
‘Thou art with God!’
The point which we consider it our duty to note is, that
outside of and beyond his faith, as it were, the Bishop pos-
sessed an excess of love. In was in that quarter, quia multum

94 Les Miserables