Evil Quote by Gardiner Spring
“It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil. It is one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves; another, to mourn for it because it is offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another, to be humbled.”
About This Quote
The passage contrasts different motives for mourning and fear, distinguishing between self‑centered or punitive reasons and those rooted in reverence for a higher moral order.
In simple terms: Mourning can stem from personal guilt or divine offense, and fear can be either terror or humility.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the deeper moral source behind emotions.
Themes
morality
emotion
spirituality
humility
guilt
Mood
reflective
solemn
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- religious crisis
- moral decision making
- spiritual contemplation
Key Concepts
theology
ethical reflection
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your deepest fears?
- How do you differentiate between self‑interest and reverence?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook cultural or individual variations in interpreting sin and divine offense.
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![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
