BOOK I PART III
imagination.
But if we compare together all the phenom-
ena that occur on this head, we shall find, that
truth, however necessary it may seem in all
works of genius, has no other effect than to
procure an easy reception for the ideas, and to
make the mind acquiesce in them with satis-
faction, or at least without reluctance. But as
this is an effect, which may easily be supposed
to flow from that solidity and force, which, ac-
cording to my system, attend those ideas that
are established by reasonings from causation;
it follows, that all the influence of belief upon
the fancy may be explained from that system.
Accordingly we may observe, that wherever
that influence arises from any other principles
beside truth or reality, they supply its place,
and give an equal entertainment to the imag-