Verses 1-6. The Lord recruits the soul with spiritual life when there is reception; it is man himself that rejects the Divine influx.

Verses 7-14. The implantation of good and truth in the soul in infancy and youth.

Verses 15-33. The declension of the natural man from Divine truth, and consequent destruction of good and truth in the soul.

Verses 34-43. But when the soul has found by experience the futility of all else and turns to the Lord, its evils and falsities are dissipated.

Verses 44-52. The absolute necessity of carrying out the Divine will in the life again impressed upon the soul. Truth gives to the soul a perception of heaven, but cannot bring it thither till carried out in the life.