1069. HOW IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD THAT MAN IS ABLE TO EFFECT NOTHING TO HIS AMELIORATION BY HIS OWN PROPER POWERS Very many spirits - indeed almost all - cannot understand that they can effect nothing to their amelioration. They suppose that in that case they must give up all effort to will and act; this in itself is a false idea. Man, as also a spirit, can always endeavor and will by his own powers, when it is not given him by the Lord to reflect that by his own powers he can effect nothing. When there is no reflection he then seems to himself to act from himself, when nevertheless it is from the Lord Who also grants that he should endeavor to do this. But when reflection is given he ought to acknowledge that this also is a gift from the Lord. 1748, Feb. 28.