859. 'On the first of the month the tops of the mountains appeared' means the truths of faith which at that point start to become visible. This is clear from the meaning of 'mountains' as goods that stem from love and charity, 795. These mountain-tops start to be seen when a person is being regenerated and is being given a conscience, and through conscience charity. Anyone is utterly mistaken who supposes that he sees the tops of the mountains, which are the truths of faith, from any other vantage point than the goods that stem from love and charity. Without these, Jews and untaught gentiles can see just the same. 'The tops of the mountains' are the first rays of light to appear.