The Kingdom of God [from Part III]
![The Kingdom of God [from Part III]](/woodcuts/1704Luik1/00033368.jpg)
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Kingdom of God [from Part III]
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 6 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Jesus sits with his feet resting on the world and the Soul sits at his feet; they are surrounded by angels. Jesus wears a crown and carries a scepter, the Soul looks with adoration at Jesus. The Dutch artist and poet, Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and composing the poem that accompanies it.
Poem: The Soul contemplates the Kingdom of God.
The high heaven is thy throne,
And the earth a footstool for thy feet.
Yes King, whom all Angels greet,
The Scepter and Crown fit Thee;
As in the Kingdom of the Seraphim,
So beautiful also in the human heart,
When that becomes thy heaven,
Where thou as King will appear;
Then flesh will become thy footstool,
And submissive to the forces,
That wait for the King’s call;
And fly upon his high command.
Then the external members
Become a slave of the Royal mind,
Then is the snake in flesh and blood,
Trodden upon its head the entire day,
Until the sharp death,
Interrupts its robbery and grinds it into dust,
Then the Soul has outgrown the danger,
And is eternally free from all distress.
God’s Answer:
“The Kingdom of God cometh not with outward show. Neither shall they say, ‘Lo, it is here!’ or ‘Lo, it is there!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17: 20-21)
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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