342. That the second born of the Church is charity becomes clear from the things which the Church conceives and gives birth to, which are nothing other than faith and charity. The first of those born to Leah by Jacob had a similar meaning. Reuben meant faith; Simeon, faith expressed in action; Levi, charity, Genesis 29:32-34. This also was why the tribe of Levi assumed the function of the priesthood and became representative of the shepherd of the flock. Being the second born of the Church, charity is referred to as 'a brother. and is called 'Abel'.

3866. From the internal sense of the words that Leah uttered concerning Reuben when he was born, namely 'Jehovah has seen my affliction, for now my husband will love me', one may recognize which attribute of the Church is meant by Reuben or the tribe named after Reuben, namely that which is the first stage of regeneration, or that which comes first when a person becomes the Church; and that that which comes first is the truth of doctrine by means of which he is able to arrive at the good of life.