or less distant from the tangible earth: and in like manner we denominate
any object of sight high or low in proportion as it is more or less
distant from the visible earth: but to define the situation of visible
things with relation to the distance they bear from any tangible thing,
or VICE VERSA, this were absurd and perfectly unintelligible. For all
visible things are equally in the mind, and take up no part of the
external space: and consequently are equidistant from any tangible thing
which exists without the mind.

112. Or rather, to speak truly, the proper objects of sight are at no
distance, neither near nor far, from any tangible thing. For if we
inquire narrowly into the matter we shall find that those things only are
compared together in respect of distance which exist after the same
manner, or appertain unto the same sense. For by the distance between any
two points nothing more is meant than the number of intermediate points:
if the given points are visible the distance between them is marked out
by the number of the interjacent visible points: if they are tangible,
the distance between them is a line consisting of tangible points; but if
they are one tangible and the other visible, the distance between them
doth neither consist of points perceivable by sight nor by touch, i.e. it
is utterly inconceivable. This, perhaps, will not find an easy admission
into all men's understanding: however, I should gladly be informed
whether it be not true by anyone who will be at the pains to reflect a
little and apply it home to his thoughts.

113. The not observing what has been delivered in the two last sections
seems to have occasioned no small part of the difficulty that occurs in
the business of erect appearances. The head, which is painted nearest the
earth, seems to be farthest from it: and on the other hand the feet,
which are painted farthest from the earth, are thought nearest to it.