6273. For Manasseh was the firstborn. That this signifies since indeed good is in the prior place, is evident from the representation of Manasseh, as being the good that is of the will (of which above); and from the signification of “birthright,” as being priority and superiority (see n. 3325), thus the “firstborn” is one who is in the prior place. Who cannot see from natural light alone, provided it is enlightened a little, that good is in the prior place, as is also man’s will; and that truth is in the posterior place, as is also man’s thinking? And also that man’s will causes him to think one way and not another, consequently that the good with a man causes this or that to be true; thus that truth is in the second place, and good in the first? Think and reflect whether the truth that is of faith can take root except in good, and whether faith is faith unless it is therein rooted. Hence you may conclude what is primary or essential to the church, that is, to the man in whom the church is.