Flash XIV.

By the word ‘existence’⁠^[28.3] is sometimes meant simply the state of being or existing, which is a generic concept or an abstract idea. Taken in this sense, ‘existence’ is an ‘idea of the second intention,’⁠^[28.4] which has no external object corresponding with it. It is one of the accidents of the ‘quidity’⁠^[28.5] [or real nature of the thing] which exists only in thought, as has been proved by the reasonings of scholastic theologians and philosophers. But sometimes ‘existence’ signifies the Real Being, who is Self-existent, and on whom the existence of all other beings depends ; and in truth there is no real external existence beside Him—all other beings are merely accidents accessory to Him, as is attested by the intuitive apprehension of the most famous Gnostics and ‘Men of Certitude.’ The word [‘existence’] is applicable to the ‘Truth’ most glorious in the latter sense only.