When asked in 1807 by an American merchant if he really expected to "make an impression on the idolatry of the Great Chinese Empire," Robert Morrision replied, "No, sir, I expect God will." This well-known exchange, related by Isabella Graham, epistomizes Morrion's approach to his mission to China.

--J. Barton Starr, "The Legacy of Robert Morrison," International Bulletin of Missionary Research, April 1998