Verses 1-4. The perception of the natural man from the Lord or the perception of those who are in faith and good works in the external church, that various truths, which have been applied to selfish purposes, are to be rendered useful to the man of the church.

Verse 5. They perceive also that the delights of the external man are to be kept distinct from those of the internal man.

Verses 6-15. But Divine Truth teaches that the spiritual man cannot engage successfully in temptation without the co-operation of the natural man; that the separated natural man hinders and opposes the progress of the spiritual towards the heavenly life, either causing a long series of temptations, or condemnations and vastation, and that therefore a caution is necessary to the natural man who desires to enjoy his own peculiar delights.

Verses 16-32. But the new natural man is willing to co-operate with the spiritual man in the subjugation of evil, while still desiring to live his own life distinctly; and this is agreeable to Divine Truth, to Divine Good, and to the primary truths of the church.

Verses 33-38. And hence it actually happens that those who are in good works, and those who are in faith, in the external church come into the possession of the natural powers establishing themselves in doctrines of good and truth according te their requirements.

Verses 39-42. And hence, too, it follows that the new will of good is firmly established in the inmost of the natural man; the general evil principle being expelled; the interior natural is enlightened and confirmed in Divine Truths; and even the sensual man shares in the purification.