BOOK I PART IV
chimera of a substance.
But these philosophers carry their fictions
still farther in their sentiments concerning oc-
cult qualities, and both suppose a substance
supporting, which they do not understand,
and an accident supported, of which they have
as imperfect an idea. The whole system, there-
fore, is entirely incomprehensible, and yet is
derived from principles as natural as any of
these above-explained.
In considering this subject we may observe
a gradation of three opinions, that rise above
each other, according as the persons, who
form them, acquire new degrees of reason and
knowledge. These opinions are that of the vul-
gar, that of a false philosophy, and that of the
true; where we shall find upon enquiry, that the
true philosophy approaches nearer to the senti-