BOOK I PART IV
commonly done; which is, that this difficulty
is seldom or never thought of; and even where
it has once been present to the mind, is quickly
forgot, and leaves but a small impression be-
hind it. Very refined reflections have little or no
influence upon us; and yet we do not, and can-
not establish it for a rule, that they ought not to
have any influence; which implies a manifest
contradiction.
But what have I here said, that reflections
very refined and metaphysical have little or no
influence upon us? This opinion I can scarce
forbear retracting, and condemning from my
present feeling and experience. The intense
view of these manifold contradictions and im-
perfections in human reason has so wrought
upon me, and heated my brain, that I am ready
to reject all belief and reasoning, and can look