4646.
The case with that dogma, that a tree remains where it falls, is not as is [usually] explained, but in this wise: It is the agreement of the internal or spiritual man with the external or natural, which
remains as it falls. ban possesses both, in the other life. The internal or spiritual is terminated in his external or natural, as in its ultimate. The inmost or spiritual man is perfected in the
other life - but, according to the agreeing things it is able to make use of, in the external or natural. The latter, however, namely, the external or natural man, cannot be perfected in the other life,
but remains of the quality it has acquired in the life of the body; and, in the latter [life], it is perfected by the removal of the love of self and the world, and so by reception of the good which
is of charity, and of the truth which is of faith, from the Lord. Hence, it is agreement or non-agreement which is the tree, with its root, which remains, after death, where it falls.