BOOK I PART IV
are not perceived, their existence is of course
independent of and distinct from the percep-
tion: and vice versa, if their existence be in-
dependent of the perception and distinct from
it, they must continue to exist, even though
they be not perceived. But though the deci-
sion of the one question decides the other; yet
that we may the more easily discover the prin-
ciples of human nature, from whence the deci-
sion arises, we shall carry along with us this
distinction, and shall consider, whether it be
the senses, reason, or the imagination, that pro-
duces the opinion of a continued or of a distinct
existence. These are the only questions, that
are intelligible on the present subject. For as to
the notion of external existence, when taken for
something specially different from our percep-
tions (Part. II. Sect. 6.), we have already shewn
its absurdity.