3055. 'Outside and away from the city' means removed from matters of doctrine. This is clear from the meaning of 'the city' as doctrine, dealt with in 402, 2449, from which it is evident that 'outside the city' means outside of, thus removed from, matters of doctrine.

3055a 'Near a well of water' means to receive the truths of faith. This is clear from the meaning of 'a well of water' as the Word, the source of the truth of faith, and also truth itself, dealt with in 2702. The phrase 'a well of water' is used in this verse, but 'a spring' in all that follows; and for the difference between the two in the internal sense - between 'a well of water' and 'a spring' see the paragraph just referred to.

1388. The second kind of perception, as has been stated, is common to all, existing with angels to the height of perfection, and with spirits according to the particular character of each one; that is to say, they know the character of another as soon as he approaches, even when he does not say a word. It shows itself immediately by means of a certain remarkable influx. A good spirit is recognized not only from the goodness within him but also from the faith there, and from each word he uses as he is speaking, while a wicked spirit is recognized from his wickedness and unbelief, and from each word he uses as he is speaking. They are recognized so plainly that one could never be mistaken. Something similar occurs among men who likewise, from another person's gestures, looks, and speech, are sometimes able to know what he is thinking, even though something different is expressed in his speech. With man such knowledge is natural, but it has its origin in and receives its character from that which exists in spirits, and so from the spirit of the individual himself and from his communication with the world of spirits. This communicative perception from this source derives in the first place from the Lord's will that all goods should be communicable and that all people should be stirred by mutual love and so be happy. This being so, such perception reigns universally among spirits also.