The text discusses the concept of distinguishing between Reason and Will, which are identified as the two main faculties of the mind. It emphasizes understanding each faculty within its own nature and operation to easily comprehend complex ideas. The passage also distinguishes between internal and external presentations to the mind, explaining how each type informs our understanding.
Actual Occupations
The mind is such that some stubborn individuals or contentious troublemakers, desire to bolster certain teachers, but essentially the opposite is true, since we usually distinguish the completed work from the worker. This principle is often overlooked by a stubborn ear, as it hinders their slanderous art. Although it can be said that there are many ways of thinking, we feel that, without confusion, we can best distinguish two main categories: Reason and Will, commonly referred to as Faculties.
To speak briefly and neatly about this matter, it is essential to keep Reason separate from Will, carefully examining each within its own nature and operation; then it will no longer be difficult to clearly and distinctly understand some of the following things, which might otherwise seem complex and obscure.
When one considers Reason or the comprehension power of the mind, simply and in itself, it is only a thought or simple comprehension of something presented to our mind; without judging it, accepting it, or refuting it. These presentations to Reason can be of two kinds; they are either internal, originating from within, displaying to the mind some built-in thoughts, understandings, comprehensions, and ideas of eternal truths. The external ones come from the objects of the visible world, through the means or impressions of the external senses;
Translation Notes
- 'Botterikken' refers to stubborn individuals.
- 'Twist-Zayers' refers to contentious troublemakers.
- 'Faculteyten' is translated as Faculties, referring to the different capabilities or powers within the mind.