M.
Properly speaking, idea is the picture of the imagination's making. This is ye likeness of, and refer'd to the real idea, or (if you will) thing[124].
S.
To ask, have we an idea of Will or volition, is nonsense. An idea can resemble nothing but an idea.
S.
If you ask wt thing it is that wills, I answer, if you mean idea by the word thing, or anything like any idea, then I say, 'tis no thing at all that wills[125]. This how extravagant soever it may seem, yet is a certain truth. We are cheated by these general terms, thing, is, &c.
S.
Again, if by is you mean is perceived, or does perceive, I say nothing wch is perceived or does perceive wills.
S.
The referring ideas to things wch are not ideas, the using the term “idea of[126],” is one great cause of mistake, as in other matters, so also in this.