A great many spirits, almost all, cannot understand the saying that they can accomplish nothing toward their own betterment. As a result, they think they should omit trying to will, and to act-which, of course, is false. Both man and spirit can always try, and exert will power, when not being given reflection by the Lord on the fact that they can do nothing by their own powers. When not so reflecting, they seem to themselves to be acting on their own, when yet it is from the Lord, Who also gives the ability to try. But when the reflection is given, then they should acknowledge that this effort also is given by the Lord. 1748, 28 February.