BOOK II PART I
never be necessary, or even useful to the pas-
sions, but by forwarding the transition betwixt
some related impressions. Not to mention, that
the same object causes a greater or smaller de-
gree of pride, not only in proportion to the en-
crease or decrease of its qualities, but also to
the distance or nearness of the relation; which
is a clear argument for the transition of affec-
tions along the relation of ideas; since every
change in the relation produces a proportion-
able change in the passion. Thus one part of
the preceding system, concerning the relations
of ideas is a sufficient proof of the other, con-
cerning that of impressions; and is itself so evi-
dently founded on experience, that it would be
lost time to endeavour farther to prove it.
This will appear still more evidently in par-
ticular instances. Men are vain of the beauty of