454. [verse 19] 'And their power was in their mouth' signifies that they have strength only by discourse confirming faith. By 'power in the mouth' is signified power in discourse confirming doctrine; for prettiness of discourse fastidiousness, pretended zeal, ingenious confirmation of untruth especially out of the appearances of truth in the Word, authority, closure of the understanding, and many similar things, they make all-important, and not any truth (veritas) or the Word. For the truth (veritas) does not shine before any others except those who are in charity and the consequent faith, nor does the Word teach any others.