1956. Therefore she called the fountain. That this signifies the derivative state of truth, is evident from what has been said; and also from the signification of a fountain,” as being truth (explained above, n. 1927). As this truth was not seen in the rational, but below the rational, the word in the original language that is here rendered “fountain” is a different word from that rendered “fountain” above, and from the common word for fountain.

1927. By a fountain of waters in the wilderness. That this signifies natural truth that had not as yet attained to life, is evident from the signification of “a fountain of waters,” as being truth; and from the signification of “the wilderness,” as being that which as yet has but little vitality. Such also is the signification of this term in the internal sense in Luke, where the Lord is treated of:

The child [John] grew, and waxed strong in spirit and was in the wilderness until the day of his showing unto Israel (Luke 1:80).

That “a fountain of waters” and “the wilderness” signify these things, may be confirmed by very many passages from the Word; but as mention is very often made of “fountains” in what follows, and also of the “wilderness,” where their signification is the same as here, of the Lord’s Divine mercy the proof will there be given. What it is for truth not yet to have attained to life, will be evident from what is to be said presently.