The Brush
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Brush
Scripture Reference:
- Hebrews 4 (further images / scripture text)
Description: While humans are intent to brush away the dust and dirt from their clothing, nothing is hidden from the sight of God (Hebrews 4:13). Therefore, appropriate attention should be given to the cleansing of the soul, since cleanliness belongs to God. 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 wrote the accompanying poem.
Motto: Where it’s most needed.
Poem:
Neither Dust, nor fluff is endured,
On neat and tidy garments,
The Brush must right away be brought,
To cleanly and thoroughly,
Brush them neatly all over,
So they will not be indecent.
O! Poor Soul! So often forgotten,
Covered with dust and fluff,
Who knows how thou art scorned,
By the clear and awful Eye of Eyes,
That with a sharp beam, and undeceived,
Pierces through elegant garments,
And sees how the Heart looks inside,
Therefore thou must start there,
If thou wishest to be clean;
There the Brush is really needed,
To purify the heart for God,
There Virtue and Cleanliness do fit.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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