Biblical-Historical Light and Law

to the brightest noon. In the meantime, however, there lies in the harmony of the light of nature and the special revelation an excellent character of the divine origin and the high authority of the Holy Scripture: since it not only brings that which we also recognize in a natural way from God to a greater enlightenment, but also abundantly replaces everything that natural theology lacks for our eternal salvation.

Since now also those persons, whom the high state, with the great dignity appropriate to it, has so greatly distinguished from others, remain equal to all and every human being in that they are mortal according to the body, and despite their transitory advantages, they have before them the hope of eternal life in the proper order of salvation for their immortal soul: so they also rightly allow the active love for the word of God to be recommended to them with due respect. Indeed, they not only hold it dear and worthy for themselves, but also consider it the best ornament for their high state of honor, that they have the power and many opportunities before others to promote the diligent research and practice of the divine word among others as well, especially among your subjects, in a blessed manner. And certainly, this is what they take with them from time into blessed eternity for the great praise of God: and indeed with a double blessing, one in and by itself, through the good addition received from God to your souls; the other in the spiritual good, for the promotion of which they have allowed themselves to be used by God as blessed instruments.

Most Serene Margrave, and Most Serene Margravine, most gracious Lord, and most gracious Lady! Among such high ones of this world, I rightly count both of your persons, who are as illustrious as they are most dear. And since I know that your High Personages also hold the Holy Scripture to be an invaluable Kleinod jewel or treasure, and I have prepared a new Tomum volume regarding it; I have, with hoped-for most gracious permission, your Princely Durchlauchtigkeit Serenity