Without the Spirit man is so infirm that he cannot, with all other means whatsoever, be enabled to think one right saving thought of God, of Christ, or of his blessed things.
John BunyanRead
Sincerity is the same in a corner alone, as it is before the face of the world. It knows not how to wear two vizards, one for an appearance before men, and another for a short snatch in a corner; but it must have God, and be with him in the duty of prayer. It is not lip-labour that it doth regard, for it is the heart that God looks at, and that which sincerity looks at, and that which prayer comes from, if it be that prayer which is accompanied with sincerity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Sincerity is consistent, whether in private or public, and true prayer comes from the heart, not mere words.
This quote by John Bunyan emphasizes the importance of sincerity in both private and public settings. He suggests that true authenticity does not change based on the audience; rather, it is a reflection of one's heart and relationship with God. Bunyan argues that genuine prayer arises from a sincere heart, indicating that superficiality and insincerity have no place in true devotion. It is the inner state of a person that matters, as sincerity should permeate every aspect of life, including prayer.
Themes
SincerityPrayerAuthenticityHeartTruthfulness
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about personal integrity helps emphasize the value of being true to oneself.
More from John Bunyan
All quotes →I saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday and today and forever.
John BunyanRead
For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.
John BunyanRead
I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.
John BunyanRead
Look how fears have presented themselves, so have supports and encouragements; yea, when I have started, even as it were at nothing else but my shadow, yet God, as being very tender of me, hath suffered me to be molested, but would with one Scripture or another, strengthen me against all; insomuch that I have often said, Were it awful, I could pray for greater trouble, for the greater comfort's sake.
John BunyanRead
There can be but one will the master in our salvation, but that shall never be the will of man, but of God; therefore man must be saved by grace.
John BunyanRead
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