6273. 'For Manasseh was the firstborn' means since good does indeed occupy the first place. This is clear from the representation of 'Manasseh' as good belonging to the will, dealt with before; and from the meaning of 'the birthright' as the prior and higher position, dealt with in 3325, so that 'the firstborn' is the one who occupies the first place. Is anyone incapable of seeing from natural light alone, provided a superior light brightens it a little, that good occupies the first place, as also do the intentions in a person's will, and that truth occupies the second, as also do the thoughts in his mind? Is anyone also incapable of seeing that the intentions in a person's will cause him to think in one particular way and no other, consequently that the good he possesses causes him to think that this or that is true; so that truth occupies the second place and good the first? Think and reflect on whether truth that composes faith can take root anywhere else than in good, or whether faith other than that which has taken root there is faith. From this you will be able to decide which is the primary or essential element for the Church, that is, for the person in whom the Church exists.

2675. 'And gave them to Hagar' means implantation within the life of the exterior man. This is clear from the meaning of 'Hagar' as the life of the exterior man, dealt with in 1896, 1909, the life of the exterior man being the affection for knowledge, meant specifically by 'Hagar the Egyptian'. With those who are becoming spiritual, good and truth are implanted by the Lord within the affection for knowledge, in order that they may desire to know and to learn what good and truth are, to the end and purpose that they may become rational and also spiritual. For the affection for knowledge is 'the mother' through whom the rational that has the spiritual within it is born, 1895, 1896, 1902, 1910. An entering in of the Lord like this does indeed take place with all, but none receive it for that end and purpose except those who are able to be reformed. The rest receive it for other ends and purposes, which are countless, having only themselves and the world in view.