BOOK I PART III
divines have displayed with such eloquence
concerning the importance of eternity; and at
the same time reflect, that though in matters
of rhetoric we ought to lay our account with
some exaggeration, we must in this case allow,
that the strongest figures are infinitely inferior
to the subject: And after this let us view on
the other hand, the prodigious security of men
in this particular: I ask, if these people really
believe what is inculcated on them, and what
they pretend to affirm; and the answer is obvi-
ously in the negative. As belief is an act of the
mind arising from custom, it is not strange the
want of resemblance should overthrow what
custom has established, and diminish the force
of the idea, as much as that latter principle en-
creases it. A future state is so far removed
from our comprehension, and we have so ob-
scure an idea of the manner, in which we shall