From 18th century missionary to the American Indians, David Brainerd’s diary entry, February 3, 1744
I am now more sensible than ever that God alone is “the author and finisher of our faith,” that is, that the whole and every part of sanctification and every good word, work, or thought found in me, is the effect of His power and grace. “Without him I can do nothing,” in the strictest sense, and “he works in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure,” and from no other motive. Oh, how amazing it is that people can talk so much about men’s power and goodness when, if God did not hold us back every moment, we should be devils incarnate!
Jonathan Edwards, The Life and Diary of David Brainerd
