"As the Mind takes cognizance of what is passing in the body, and in those which surround it and directs its notions and operations in regard to them, so we may conceive of that Great Spirit, the Soul of the universe, that He perceives and governs all its parts. That Creator, Supporter, and Governor of the universe, whom we are taught to address, not only as such, but by the more endearing appellation of the Father of our Spirits."
In his little book on Mind, he thus lays out his plan:
"The attributes of the mind, which seem to be of a permanent nature, are here considered as 'properties' (intending such as perception, memory, &c.); those which are occasionally exerted and operate with effort as 'powers;' and those which may be perceived only occasionally, and which vary in degree or kind in different persons, as 'qualities.' As Reason and Will are 'properties' of the mind, and yet exerted as 'powers,' they are treated under both heads."
OF IDEAS.
"As I may not use the word in a customary sense, I think it right to explain what I mean by ideas. When I see a beautiful prospect illuminated by the sun, I have a perception of light and shade. When, however, I have acquired such a knowledge of light and shade as to be able to represent on paper a spherical or many-sided body, I think I have acquired a knowledge of light and shade beyond that which the mere remembrance of my perception would have produced. I shall, therefore, express myself as follows: Our knowledge consists of perceptions and deduction from them, which may be called ideas, opinions, thoughts. In reasoning, we employ these intellectual deductions, as we employ the perceptions of the facts themselves."
OF ABSTRACTION.
He observes: "It does not appear that we have the power of abstracting the mind from the consideration of any subject, except by engaging it in some other."