887. The waters abated from over the earth' means that all this was so because the obstructive falsities were now fewer. This is clear from the meaning of the same words that have appeared already in verse 8. As regards the obstructive falsities being fewer than previously in this second state which is the subject here, all the falsities a person has acquired so remain with him that not one is done away with, as stated already. But when a person is being regenerated truths are planted in him towards which falsities are turned by the Lord. It thus appears as though they have been dispersed, dispersed by means of the goods which he is given.