Since man, spirit, angel, cannot do anything of themselves, but by the Lord the abilities are given to them, they being only organic instruments, I was able to see by a spiritual mental image that all things are from mercy. What could creatures who are utterly unable to lead themselves-though thinking themselves able-who of themselves are foolish and insane, be able to do except to perish, unless the Lord had compassion for them? How foolish they are, and insane, can be better seen by a spiritual mental image; they reason, thinking they do so on their own, when yet every least detail is due to the power of the Lord either permitting, or granting. And of themselves they are more stupid and insane than little children who have never learned anything. 1748, 6 June.