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.
Arcana Coelestia #9151
9151. 'If the thief is caught' means recollection. This is clear from the meaning of 'being caught', when said of truths and factual knowledge taken away out of the memory, as recollection; and from the meaning of 'the thief' as that which has been taken away, for 'thief' has the same meaning as 'theft', 9125, 9126.
