241. Verse 18. I counsel thee, signifies the means of reformation of those who are in the doctrine of faith alone. This is evident from what now follows, for the reformation of those who are in that doctrine is now treated of; therefore "I counsel thee" implies precepts as to how such must live that they may be reformed and thus saved.

8375. Those who live in the hot parts of their planet go naked, except for a garment round their hips. And they are not embarrassed by nakedness, since they are pure in mind, loving only their married partner and detesting adultery. They were utterly amazed that when spirits belonging to our planet saw them walking in their particular manner, and also naked, they should mock them and also have lewd thoughts, paying no attention whatever to their heavenly life, only to those kinds of details. They said it was a sign that these spirits were more interested in bodily and earthly things than heavenly ones, and that improper thoughts filled their minds. They were told that nakedness was neither shameful nor offensive to those who led pure lives in a state of innocence only to those whose lives were lewd and wanton.