This were to suppose, that even where we are most intimately conscious, we might be mistaken.
But not to lose time in examining, whether it is possible for our senses to deceive us, and represent our perceptions as distinct from ourselves, that is as external to and independent of us; let us consider whether they really do so, and whether this error proceeds from an immediate sensation, or from some other causes.
To begin with the question concerning EXTERNAL existence, it may perhaps be said, that setting aside the metaphysical question of the identity of a thinking substance, our own body evidently belongs to us; and as several impressions appear exterior to the body, we suppose them also exterior to ourselves.

The paper, on which I write at present, is beyond my hand.

The table is beyond the paper.

The walls of the chamber beyond the table.

And in casting my eye towards the window, I perceive a great extent of fields and buildings beyond my chamber.