16. This can be illustrated by comparison with a tree. In its first origin a tree is a seed, which has in it an endeavor to produce fruit. This endeavor, when awakened by warmth, produces first a root, and from that a stalk or sapling with branches and leaves, and finally fruit; and so the endeavor to bear fruit finds expression.
It is apparent from this that the endeavor to produce fruit is constant throughout its progression to the time it finds expression; for if the endeavor were to cease, the tree’s ability to grow would immediately die.
The application is this: The tree is a person. The endeavor to produce the means proceeds in a person from his will into his intellect. The stalk or sapling with its branches and leaves are, in a person, the instrumental means and are called truths of faith. The fruits that are the ultimate effects of the endeavor to bear fruit in the case of a tree are, in a person, useful activities. It is in these that his will finds expression.
It may be seen from this that the will to produce useful applications by means of the intellect is constant throughout its progression to the time it finds expression.
Regarding the will and the intellect and their union, see The Doctrine of Life for the New Jerusalem 43.
