You enter a state of controlled passivity, you relax your grip and accept that even if your declared intention is to justify the ways of God to man, you might end up interesting your readers rather more in Satan.

Summary

This quote suggests that by surrendering control and embracing a state of relaxed passivity in one's writing, there is a possibility of unintended outcomes. It acknowledges the intention to explain God's ways, but warns that the writer's focus may unintentionally shift towards intriguing readers with the character of Satan instead. Essentially, the quote highlights the unpredictability and influence of the creative process, acknowledging that the original aim of a writer may diverge as the work takes on a life of its own.

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