106. These two states are represented by various phases of life in the universe because they are according to Divine order, and the Divine order pervades all things, even to the most minute, in the universe. The first state is represented in the life of every man from his infancy and childhood to the time of his youth and early manhood. This is a state of humiliation before his parents, of obedience, and also of instruction under masters and ministers. The second state, however, is represented by that of the same person when he becomes master of himself and his own freedom of judgment, or master of his own will and understanding, in which state he is master in his own house. The first state is likewise represented by that of a prince or son of a king, or son of a duke, before he becomes king or duke; also by the state of every citizen before he becomes a magistrate; of every subject before he discharges the function of any office; also of every student who is preparing for the ministry before he becomes a priest, and afterwards before he becomes a pastor, and then before he becomes a Primate; of every virgin before she becomes a wife; and of every maidservant before she becomes a mistress; in general of every clerk before he becomes a merchant, of every soldier before he becomes an officer, and of every servant before he becomes a master. Their first state is one of servitude and the second one in which they exercise their own will and their own understanding.
These two states are also represented by various stages in the animal kingdom: the first by beasts and birds so long as they remain with their parents, whom they follow continually and by whom they are nourished and guided; and the second when they leave their parents and provide for themselves. In the case of caterpillars, the first state is when they creep and feed on leaves, and the second when they cast their skins and become butterflies. These two states are also represented in the subjects of the vegetable kingdom: the first when the plant springs from the seed, and puts forth branches, shoots and leaves; and the second when it bears fruit and produces new seeds. This process may be compared to the union of good and truth, since the several parts of a tree correspond to truths, and the fruit to good. The man who continues in the first state, and does not enter upon the second, is like a tree that bears leaves only, and not fruit, concerning which it is said in the Word:
"that it must be rooted up and cast into the fire," Matthew 21:19; Luke 3:9; 13:6-9; John 15:5, 8.
He is also like a servant who does not wish to be free, concerning whom it was decreed:
that he should be brought to the door, or to the door-post, and his ear bored through with an awl. Exodus 21:6.
Servants are those who are not united to the Lord, but the free are those who are united to Him, for the Lord says:
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" John 8:36.
