10048. And thou shalt cut the ram into its pieces. That this signifies that the interior things are to be set in order in a distinct manner, is evident from the signification of "the ram," as being the good of innocence and of charity in the internal man (see n. 10042), here preparation for the purification of this, which is signified by the burnt-offering from the ram; and from the signification of "cutting into pieces," as being the setting in order of the interior things there. That preparation for the setting in order of the interior things is signified by cutting into pieces, the pieces, members, and parts, is because a setting in order is described by the intestines and legs being put upon the pieces and upon the head, and by the "intestines" are signified lowest things, which are called external sensuous, and by the "legs" those next higher, which are called natural. Thus by the "pieces," which were still higher, are signified interior things, and by the "head" inmost ones. That such things are signified by the intestines, legs, and head, will be seen from what follows. (That by the viscera and members of man such things are signified in order, see n. 10030.)
[2] As in the representative sense by the sacrifices and burnt-offerings is meant the regeneration of man, it shall be briefly told how the case is with the setting in order in this. With those who are being regenerated the interior and exterior things are set in order by the Lord for all the following states, insomuch that things present involve things future, and when things future become present they do the same, and this to eternity; for the Lord foresees all, and provides all, and His foresight and providence are to eternity, thus are eternal. For the Divine, which alone is His, in itself is infinite, and the infinite relatively to duration is eternal. Hence whatsoever the Lord disposes and sets in order is eternal. This is the case with those whom the Lord regenerates. The regeneration of man begins in the world and continues to eternity, for when a man becomes an angel he is always being perfected. There are in man things external, internal, and inmost; all these are disposed and set in order together and successively for the reception to eternity of the things that follow. But in what order the things external, interior, and inmost are regenerated, and again in what reverse order, will of the Lord's Divine mercy be shown in what follows.