BOOK I PART III
of the objects is so easy, that the mind is scarce
sensible of it, but applies itself to the concep-
tion of the related idea with all the force and vi-
vacity it acquired from the present impression.
If in considering the nature of relation, and
that facility of transition, which is essential to
it, we can satisfy ourselves concerning the real-
ity of this phaenomenon, it is well: But I must
confess I place my chief confidence in experi-
ence to prove so material a principle. We may,
therefore, observe, as the first experiment to
our present purpose, that upon the appearance
of the picture of an absent friend, our idea of
him is evidently inlivened by the resemblance,
and that every passion, which that idea occa-
sions, whether of joy or sorrow, acquires new
force and vigour. In producing this effect there
concur both a relation and a present impres-