Chapter 7
Volume 2: 2: Cosette · Book 7: 7: A Parenthesis I
7: Precautions to Be Taken in Censure
Chapter 7Visible text2 paragraphs
HISTORY and philosophy have eternal duties, which are, at the same time, simple duties to oppose Caiaphas as bishop, Draco as judge, Trimalcion as legislator, and Tiberius as emperor. This is clear, direct, and limpid, and presents no obscurity. But the right to live apart, even with its inconveniences and abuses, must be verified and dealt with carefully. The life of the cenobite is a human problem.
When we speak of convents, those seats of error but of innocence, of mistaken views but of good intentions, of ignorance but of devotion, of torment but of martyrdom, we must nearly always have " Yes " and " No " upon our lips.