6503. To embalm his father. That this signifies lest it should be infected with any contagion, is evident from the signification of "embalming," as being a means of preserving from contagion; and from the representation of Israel, as being the good of the spiritual church (see n. 6499). Hence it is evident that by "embalming his father" is signified a means of preservation lest the good that belongs to the spiritual church should be infected with any contagion. The reason why "to embalm" signifies a means of preservation from contagion, is that the purpose of embalming bodies was to preserve them from putrefying. The means of the preservation of spiritual good from contagion is treated of in what now follows.