725. 'Male and female' means truths and goods. This becomes clear from what has been stated and shown already about 'male' (vir) and 'male' (masculus) meaning truth, and 'mate' (uxor) and 'female' (femina) meaning good. 'Male and female' however has reference to things of the understanding, while 'male and mate' ¹ has reference to those of the will, the reason being that 'male and mate' represents marriage more than 'male and female' does. In fact, by itself truth cannot possibly enter into marriage with good; but good does so with truth, for no truth ever exists which is not the product of good and is in this way coupled to good. Take away good from truth and nothing remains whatever but mere words.

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