This text focuses on the nature of the human will, emphasizing its intrinsic freedom. It argues that the will cannot be compelled even by divine forces, underscoring a philosophical view of its independence. Additionally, it discusses the process of judgment and the importance of pursuing truth through contemplation and mental clarity.
Actual Affairs
Fleeing or loving, or pondering them; as long as Reason clearly and distinctly notices the Nature and Character of matters.
The Will, noted as Will, seems to us nothing but entirely free and unrestrained; because if it could be curbed by someone, it would no longer be free. Indeed, it appears entirely true that the Will cannot even be compelled by God; for as perfection in God implies, he cannot will contradictory things, so he likewise cannot will the Will to be both a Will and not a Will at the same time. Hence, it follows that Man is not only voluntarily Wild; but also that it is part of the Nature of the Will to suspend judgment over a matter, or to decide it: As long as the Judgment remains suspended, it has not yet erred; but as soon as one decides, one errs, whether one speaks or thinks Truth.
And whoever thinks, speaks, writes, or does the Truth, they do, write, speak, or think that which agrees with pure mental images, and conforms with the Truth. Yet one errs when, out of hastiness, or passions, which are desires, prejudices, or when distracted from the true perceptions of mental images, one says, thinks, or does something that opposes the implanted mental images, or with the Truths, whether natural or revealed. Thus, we conclude that the first foundation of true Wisdom is in ourselves, and primarily depends on the clear contemplation and discernment of mental images: So that a person, without passions and prejudices, with a calm and modest mind can clearly and di...