8459. Small as the hoar frost upon the earth. That this signifies truth in the form of good, consistent and flowing, is evident from the signification of “small,” which is predicated of truth (of which just above), and from the signification of “as the hoar frost,” as being to be in the form of good. The good of truth, which is the good of the man of the spiritual church (see n. 8458), is compared to hoar frost from the continuity of this as compared to snow. Snow, from being small and white, is predicated of truth; but hoar frost, from its continuity, is predicated of truth made good, which is the good of truth. That “snow” is predicated of truth is plain from the following passages:

When Jesus was transfigured His vestments became shining, exceeding white as snow (Mark 9:23).

The angels at the sepulcher had an appearance as lightning, and clothing white as snow (Matthew 28:2-3).

I saw in the midst of the seven lampstands one like unto the Son of man; His head and His hairs were white as white wool, as snow (Revelation 1:13-14).

Her Nazirites were whiter than snow, they were fairer than milk (Lam. 4:7).

Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow (Psalms 51:7).

I beheld till the thrones were cast forth, and the Ancient of Days did sit; His garment was like white snow, and the hair of His head like clean wool (Daniel 7:9).

In these passages “snow” is predicated of truth from its whiteness, and garments are compared to it, because “garments” in the spiritual sense denote truths (n. 4545, 4763, 5248, 5319, 5954, 6914, 6917, 6918). From all this it is evident what is meant by “hoar frost,” namely, truth in the form of good. Truth is said to be consistent and flowing in the form of good, because truth is the form of good, and good is the life of this form, and is as it were its soul.