BOOK I PART III
invariable. The thought is always determined
to pass from the impression to the idea, and
from that particular impression to that partic-
ular idea, without any choice or hesitation.
But not content with removing this objection,
I shall endeavour to extract from it a proof of
the present doctrine. Contiguity and resem-
blance have an effect much inferior to causa-
tion; but still have some effect, and augment
the conviction of any opinion, and the vivac-
ity of any conception. If this can be proved
in several new instances, beside what we have
already observed, it will be allowed no incon-
siderable argument, that belief is nothing but a
lively idea related to a present impression.
To begin with contiguity; it has been re-
marked among the Mahometans as well as
Christians, that those pilgrims, who have seen