Verses 1-3. On the opposition of those in faith without charity to the true church. They support themselves apparently by the primary doctrines of the church; they approve Divine Good as well as Divine Truth; and they urge that every man is led by selfish love.

Verses 4-19. But the man of the true church comes into profound humiliation on being thus tempted; he depends upon influx from the Lord through the heavens; he sees that the wicked are allowed to assume the appearance of genuine worship; he condemns their vain assumptions, and their discontent; and he knows that their pretensions will be thoroughly tested.

Verses 20-27. Also revelation is made, and exhortation is given to the true church to separate themselves, which actually happens; and the false church continues its opposition.

Verses 28-35. Concerning the judgement and condemnation of those in faith without charity.

Verses 36-40. Concerning the preservation of true external worship, although that which is false and selfish is rejected.

Verses 41-50. And also concerning the effect of false external worship, and true external worship, the former resulting in the destruction of spiritual life by the destruction of remains, and the latter in its preservation.