894. 'At the beginning, on the first of the month' means a starting point. This is now clear from what has been said above. Everything that this statement embodies is an arcanum so deep that it cannot be described, except for just the point that no definite period of time ever exists when anyone is regenerate enough to be able to say, 'Now I am perfect'. In fact an unlimited number of states of evil and falsity exist with everyone, not only simple states but also varied and complex ones which, as has been stated, have to be disposed of in such a way that they do not recur. In some states a person can be called fairly perfect, but in countless others he cannot. People who have been regenerated during their lifetime, and in whose lives faith in the Lord and charity towards the neighbour have been present, are in the next life being perfected all the time.

9037. 'However, if he stands for a day or two' means a state of life remaining until it is full. This is clear from the meaning of 'a day' as a state of life, dealt with in 893, 2788, 3785, 4850; and from the meaning of 'two days' as a succeeding state, 1335, thus a complete state, that is to say, of contemplation. For when one day is mentioned in the Word, or one week, one month, or one year, a whole period of time or a state is meant, 2906. And when 'or two' is added it means remaining until it is full.