CHAP. VI. Of the Authentical Edition of the Scripture.
NOw we must enquire which is the Authentical Edition of holy Scriptures, it being necessary that this heavenly truth committed to writing, should be delivered in some form of words, and in some language which may be understood. Lawyers, from whom the use of the word Authenticka seem∣eth borrowed, do call those instruments and writings Authentick which have a cer∣tain and just authority in themselves.
A Book or writing is Authentick either by Divine or humane institution; those are by Divine Appointment and Institution authentical, which have from God suf∣ficient and absolute Authority to command and approve themselves worthy credit and faith, in as much as God himself doth approve them; by humane Institution such writings are held authentical, which by the opinion and sentence of learned men in their several professions may be esteemed worthy credit and belief for themselves, and for the truth in them.
There is a great diversity of Editions of holy Scripture; all cannot be simply and perpetually Authentical, in, of, and for themselves, without reference unto another, no more then many draughts of the same Lease or Deed, or copy of one pardon can be. Some amongst many are authentick, whence the others are tran∣scribed; yea it cannot be that there should be many; but although there may be many counterpanes of the deed, yet there is but one or two principal Deeds: so, amongst this great variety of Editions one or more ought to be as principal and authentical.
There is a Question betwixt the Church of Rome, and the Reformed Churches about the Authentick Edition of Scripture; they say, That the Edition of the Bi∣ble in Hebrew and Greek is not authentical, but rather the Vulgar Latine. We