The Harmful Refusal
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Harmful Refusal
Scripture Reference:
- Hebrews 13 (further images / scripture text)
Description: A man who stands in the doorway of his house refuses hospitality to a stranger; the latter is dressed in a simple fashion although he holds a crown behind his back. The World can be seen on the façade of the man’s house. A village street is shown in the background. 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 Hebrews 13:1-2, 16.
Poem:
A King from a powerful nation,
Disguised himself as a poor man,
So that he secretly would learn,
(While he as a stranger,
Went amongst his subjects,)
Where fidelity or infidelity was located.
Thus he visited many houses,
And found charity not to be at home,
But had to do without help.
Each was only self-disposed,
And did not consider Need his friend,
So as to share with him.
But this rumor became public,
That He was investigating,
Which Prudence took to heart,
So that she did not forget Poverty,
But gave from what she had,
So that she might defy the bad outcome,
When now the messengers arrived,
That everyone must go the Court,
Where the King would show himself,
Fidelity went joyfully ahead,
But Self-interest, became anxious and fearful,
Because of good and bad rewards.
Who then this King might be,
His country, and Subject, therein,
That each one can easily know,
Who has understanding and Judgment,
And (the human path way not wrong,)
Has not forgotten the Holy Scripture.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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