How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I have always liked the phrase "nursing a grudge," because many people are tender of their resentments, as of the things nearest their hearts. (1.8.7)
You might think that holding a grudge wouldn't be a terribly pleasant experience. More like a rotten experience, right? Well, maybe—except human experience doesn't work that way. Unpleasant emotions like anger and resentment have their own pleasure, and they can even feel good, in a way.
Quote #2
I always imagine divine mercy giving us back to ourselves and letting us laugh at what we became, laugh at the preposterous disguises of crouch and squint and limp and lour we all do put on. (1.8.7)
For John Ames, sin is silly. It's irrational. In the light of God's mercy, it's almost comical. Instead of imaging souls burning in hell, screaming in endless torment, he envisions those who accept God's mercy finally being able to see the humor of their excuses.