But then to a Christian it cannot surely
be shocking to say, the real tree, existing without his mind, is
truly known and comprehended by (that is
) the
infinite mind of God. Probably he may not at first glance be
aware of the direct and immediate proof there is of this;
inasmuch as the very being of a tree, or any other sensible
thing, implies a mind wherein it is. But the point itself he
cannot deny. The question between the Materialists and me is not,
whether things have a existence out of the mind of this or
that person, but whether they have an existence,
distinct from being perceived by God, and exterior to all minds.
This indeed some heathens and philosophers have affirmed, but
whoever entertains notions of the Deity suitable to the Holy
Scriptures will be of another opinion.
. But, according to your notions, what difference is
there between real things, and chimeras formed by the
imagination, or the visions of a dream -- since they are all
equally in the mind?
.
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