By the word “existence”* 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”,* which has no external object corresponding with it. It is one of the accidents of the “quidity”* [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 objective 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.

Things that exist to men of narrow view
Appear the accidents to substance due;
To men of light substance is accident,
Which the “True Being” ever doth renew.*