BOOK I PART IV
proceeds to the belief of another existence, re-
sembling these perceptions in their nature, but
yet continued, and uninterrupted, and identi-
cal; and after he has done this to my satisfac-
tion, I promise to renounce my present opinion.
Mean while I cannot forbear concluding, from
the very abstractedness and difficulty of the
first supposition, that it is an improper subject
for the fancy to work upon. Whoever would
explain the origin of the common opinion con-
cerning the continued and distinct existence of
body, must take the mind in its common situ-
ation, and must proceed upon the supposition,
that our perceptions are our only objects, and
continue to exist even when they are not per-
ceived. Though this opinion be false, it is the
most natural of any, and has alone any primary
recommendation to the fancy.