1560. From all this it obviously follows that in us there can be nothing good, but that all good is of the Lord, and that we may not ascribe to ourself any goodness, still less any faith. This is part and parcel of faith, and because it is, it also comes as a gift. For when I think, also from my own power, that this is a gift of the Lord, and that it therefore must be left to the Lord to work goodness in me, even this is sin, because from my own effort. Therefore, whichever way one turns, on one's own power, it is sin; so all good is of the Lord. But because this cannot be seen without a spiritual mental image apart from the body, I can understand that it is something incredible to people on earth, but I can nevertheless testify that it is the case. 1748, 20 March.