The Valley: In Order Not to Fall from Up High
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Valley: In Order Not to Fall from Up High
Scripture Reference:
- Luke 14 (further images / scripture text)
- James 4 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Two women are resting in a valley, watching farmers plowing and harvesting the fields. In the background is a snowcapped mountain. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing this emblem and composed the poem that accompanies it. The etching was executed by Jan Luiken or his son Casper Luiken (1672-1708), who had used this image in an earlier work, which may be found in the Digital Image Archive under the call number 1699Weig. The attendant scriptures are Luke 14:11 and James 4:6.
Motto: That it may please thee, The safe humble place.
Poem:
While it is Winter, on the snowcapped Mountain,
With the high, elevated crown stretching to the clouds,
So the Valley grows and blossoms from many sweet things;
He who then loves the Summer, should indeed remain below:
As many promises are given to the Valley of humility,
As a blessing by the very Highest.
He who heeds this, and endeavors to sow in this ground,
Shall harvest in the valley many worthy fruits,
And carry them with him into the Barn of Eternity,
So he may eat and be freed from poverty.
But all Hearts that are elevated in pride,
Are winter-mountains, and barren in God’s eyes.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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Rights Status: No Copyright - United States
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