How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I think sometimes there might be an advantage in making people aware how worn and stale these old transgressions are. It might take some of the shine off them, for those who are tempted. (1.8.19)
Doing wrong has its unique and powerful allure, all the more when the bad deed seems remarkably bad. Ames suspects some of this allure could be lessened if people knew just how common their sins are.
Quote #5
I must be gracious. My only role is to be gracious. (1.9.3)
Ames is a good man, but he struggles to forgive and to trust, especially where his wife and son are concerned. He has to remind himself to have the right disposition toward the people he finds it hardest to show compassion to.
Quote #6
You may know by now what a fallible man I am, and how little I can trust my feelings on the subject. And you know, from living out years I cannot foresee, whether you must forgive me for warning you, or forgive me for failing to warn you, or indeed if none of it turned out to matter at all. (1.10.5)
At this stage, Ames hasn't told his wife what he knows about Jack Boughton. He doesn't know if he will tell her at all. He's in a bit of a jam, not knowing whether warning her or remaining silent will bring about the greater evil. Whatever he does, he hopes his wife and son can forgive him.