3125. Previous verses dealt with the investigation of truth that was to be joined to good in the Rational, as regards its innocence, charity, and origin. For since by His own power the Lord made His Rational Divine as regards good as well as regards truth, He consequently investigated the truth which He joined to good. With men however truth is never joined to good by means of their own power but by means of the Lord's. This becomes evident from the considerations that all good and truth flow in from the Lord, that the whole of reformation and regeneration is from Him, and that man does not know at all how he is being regenerated. At the present day man does not even know that he is regenerated by means of truth and good, let alone that truth is introduced into and joined to good, and that this is effected so to speak by investigation, that is, with very great precision. These two verses have dealt with perception of the nature and origin of truth, and at the same time with joy on that account. What follows next therefore deals with the introduction.

'Laban', as in Genesis 31:44, represents the goods of works, which have a place with people who are aside, that is, with the Gentiles. The good which 'Laban' represents is of limited use -- namely it serves to introduce genuine truths and goods, and that once it has performed that use, it is discarded. He signifies the affection of good in the natural self, or the affection of external good, and properly collateral good of a common stock.

(Odkazy: Arcana Coelestia 3665)