About the Rebirth of a new Creature [from Part II]
![About the Rebirth of a new Creature [from Part II]](/woodcuts/1704Luik1/00033351.jpg)
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: About the Rebirth of a new Creature [from Part II]
Scripture Reference:
- Galatians 6 (further images / scripture text)
Description: The Soul stands while Jesus sits on the ground. He wears an aureole and a wreath of roses on his head. Both are contemplating the birth of a new creature. The flowers of Paradise can be seen at the right bottom corner of this image. 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 in contemplation of the new Creature.
When the little seed died in earth’s bosom,
And seemed forgotten and lost,
Then the little Flower grew because of that death,
And came like a newborn,
Out of the dark earth into the beautiful light,
To carry scent and color forward.
Greeted by heaven’s countenance,
With daily dew and sunshine;
So grows the new creature,
As one’s own will is being destroyed,
In death and grave, though it tastes sour,
There grows a life because of that dying;
A flower in Paradise, so beautiful,
Though not seen by any earthly man born blind,
It stands before God and his Son,
And sends scent through all the Angel choirs.
Oh dear Jesus! Oh eternal good!
How fervently I would like to become
A little Flower on thy Wreath of roses,
Where a spangle never withered!
Oh Lord Jesus command me,
To always go into the death.
God's Answer:
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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