The Lawful Government
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Lawful Government
Scripture Reference:
- Romans 6 (further images / scripture text)
Description: An old man [Mankind], bent under the weight of a heavy load, is led with a chain by a young man [the Soul] who carries a whip. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and for the poem that accompanies it (below). The attendant scripture text is Romans 6:17-18.
Poem:
He who was formerly King fell,
Through courage and power of the Noble Soul.
Now he must bow over and stoop,
And should he resist, grumble and curse,
He is held securely by a chain,
To be pulled back from the wrong path.
So it happens; and it is also right,
The most powerful is Lord, the least is servant.
The eternal Part must consider,
Thou Nobility, in bondage,
Conquer the treacherous Tyranny,
That has been put above thee.
The Scepter fits in thine hand,
To reign over men’s land.
And if they revolt, as rebels,
Thine power, that leans on Faith’s throne.
Supported by God’s grace,
Can put down their stubbornness,
Until thou at the end of this time,
Art released from living people,
To triumph eternally,
So beautifully welcomed and greeted,
With eternal peace in thine soul,
In honor of the Highest-King.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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