How we cite our quotes: In consultation with my editor, we decided (against standard practice) to go with page numbers—since The Sunset Limited is one long act and it would be unwieldy and impractical to number all the lines.
Quote #4
BLACK: […] I think whatever truth is wrote in these pages is wrote in the human heart too and it was wrote there a long time ago and will still be wrote there a long time hence. Even if this book is burned every copy of it. What Jesus said? I dont think he made up a word of it. I think he just told it. This book is a guide for the ignorant and the sick at heart. A whole man wouldn't need it at all. (68)
The Bible is an expression, in Black's interpretation, of the deepest truths of the human heart. It's supposed to lead you back to your own wisdom, put you in touch with the inner Word of God. A "whole man"—like Adam before the Fall—wouldn't need the Bible, since he'd be in a state of purity, completely innocent and free. He would already automatically act correctly, just by following his heart.
Quote #5
BLACK: […] That ain't what he said. He said you could have life everlastin. Life. Have it today. Hold it in your hand. That you could see it. It gives off a light. It's got a little weight to it. Not much. Warm to the touch. Just a little. And it's forever. And you can have it. Now. Today. But you don't want it. You don't want it cause to get it you got to let you brother off the hook. (78)
You can have life everlasting today, says Black, in this life, instead of enduring "death in life." It just involves a change in perspective, a change in orientation toward the world—and that means viewing people as possessing the same spirit, that deep "forever thing" (95) existing in their essence.