2428. Behold I pray this city is near to flee thither. That this signifies that he might be permitted [to think and act] from the truth of faith, is evident from the signification of a “city,” as being what is of doctrine, thus the truth of faith (see n. 402, 2268). It is said to be “near,” because truth is nearly related to good; on which account to “flee thither” signifies that he might be permitted [to think and act] from truth, seeing that he could not do so from good (n. 2422).