BOOK I PART IV
posed simplicity, and the variation to the iden-
tity. It may, therefore, be worth while to con-
sider the causes, which make us almost univer-
sally fall into such evident contradictions, as
well as the means by which we endeavour to
conceal them.
It is evident, that as the ideas of the sev-
eral distinct, successive qualities of objects are
united together by a very close relation, the
mind, in looking along the succession, must be
carryed from one part of it to another by an
easy transition, and will no more perceive the
change, than if it contemplated the same un-
changeable object. This easy transition is the
effect, or rather essence of relation; I and as the
imagination readily takes one idea for another,
where their influence on the mind is similar;
hence it proceeds, that any such succession of