The Best Is the Smallest
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Best Is the Smallest
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 13 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Two men are standing next to a tree at the foot of which lays the World, in the form of a globe with a cross on top, and compare the few fruits [pious Souls] to the numerous leaves [Souls]. 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 Matthew 13:30.
Poem:
How every tree is loaded,
With few fruits compared to leaves!
How has the great World-tree,
Many hundred thousands of souls,
Rustling like leaves,
And here and there only one pious one!
That makes true wisdom sigh,
When he sees so few fruits,
While he wishes, consciously
To be one of the small number,
That would be praised by the Lord,
That’s why he feeds himself with truth.
Oh Small number! of the truly pious,
We try to become one of you,
In order with the general rustling
Not to be part of the leaves,
That do not satisfy God’s desire,
But flutter there with the wind!
So would be the life of thoughts,
That esteem the Heavenly above the Earthly,
And separates itself from the largest crowd,
That everywhere, in all stations,
In all places and lands,
After the general course of life,
Were merely regarded as leaves,
That rustle from the wind of sins,
On Adam’s extensive trunk.
Oh Trunk so broad and wide from shoots,
Who can express the great regret,
That not more fruit grew on you!
What each sees from many and all,
That pleases him also,
And he puts himself in their same position,
Except for the upwards-directed eyes,
Who increase their desires for God,
In order to be fruit, in the Kingdom of Heaven.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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