The City: That One Is Not It Either
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The City: That One Is Not It Either
Scripture Reference:
- Hebrews 11 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Two hikers regard a number of cities from an overlooking hillside. A number of mountains can be seen in the distance. 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 adapted this image from one used in an earlier work, which may be found in the Digital Image Archive under the call number 1699Weig. The attendant scripture text is Hebrews 11:9-10.
Motto: Salvation’s city does not lead, to this Time.
Poem:
Whatever City one sees in the World,
Of the fixed Cities of all countries,
That is not the true City,
A living together of love and peace.
However, he who desires to travel
To that true City,
And would like to have a dwelling there,
Must learn the right path.
Wherever it is broad and pleasant,
And is much walked and ridden upon
Pass it by, reassured,
With unceasing strides.
The right way is narrow and tight,
And lonely, without activity,
And stretches itself through the vale of tears,
Where the downfall should always be avoided.
That brings thee inside Zion’s gate,
A City, whose praise and glories
Thou hast never appreciated;
That is the City of eternal peace.
He who has tired himself out along the way,
So as to arrive one day at hat place,
He duly finds his rest and desire,
And never has to fear misfortune.
But he who travels and walks on the earth,
And intends to find a place of rest,
Does not get what he long hoped for,
And finally finds smoke and wind.
But thou, O beautiful City of Heaven!
Thou dost give thy Citizens full happiness,
Thus they have grasped their Salvation,
Who submit themselves to thee in their departure.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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