BOOK I PART III
one) there is no history or tradition, but what
must in the end lose all its force and evidence.
Every new probability diminishes the original
conviction; and however great that conviction
may be supposed, it is impossible it can subsist
under such re-iterated diminutions. This is true
in general; though we shall find (Part IV. Sect.
1.) afterwards, that there is one very memo-
rable exception, which is of vast consequence
in the present subject of the understanding.
Mean while to give a solution of the preced-
ing objection upon the supposition, that histor-
ical evidence amounts at first to an entire proof;
let us consider, that though the links are innu-
merable, that connect any original fact with the
present impression, which is the foundation of
belief; yet they are all of the same kind, and
depend on the fidelity of Printers and Copy-