BOOK I PART IV
by which the mind can trace it in the different
periods of its existence, without any break of
the view, and without being obliged to form the
idea of multiplicity or number.
I now proceed to explain thesecondpart of
my system, and shew why the constancy of our
perceptions makes us ascribe to them a perfect
numerical identity, tho there be very long inter-
vals betwixt their appearance, and they have
only one of the essential qualities of identity,
viz., invariableness. That I may avoid all am-
biguity and confusion on this head, I shall ob-
serve, that I here account for the opinions and
belief of the vulgar with regard to the existence
of body; and therefore must entirely conform
myself to their manner of thinking and of ex-
pressing themselves. Now we have already ob-
servd, that however philosophers may distin-