Abraham the Patriarch

ON THE FRONTISPIECE.

The Patriarch ABRAHAM, who, grave of countenance,
Stands upon the Head of the Cornerstone A common Christian metaphor referring to Christ as the foundation of faith, like an Oak of Mamre The Oak of Mamre was the site where Abraham built an altar and received divine visitors,
Whose Weapon served to loose Lot from Elam’s bonds A reference to Genesis 14, where Abraham rescued his nephew Lot from the King of Elam,
Just as his Shepherd's Staff watched over the cattle,
Faithfully embraces the true SAVING FAITH original: "Heilgeloof":
Her Sacrifice makes him deaf to the flattery of passions;
While INCONSTANCY, whose unbound Clothing
Signifies fickle senses, like the Globe and Feathers In 17th-century art, feathers and globes often symbolized instability and the fleeting nature of worldly things;
IDOLATRY, who keeps her eye upon her Household God,
And SELF-LOVE, who gazes at her False Jewelry:
All these see themselves bridled by their Victor,
While OBEDIENCE, through her wings,
Makes his feet willing to undergo the Yoke of morals,
And swiftly strike the path of that Law, Bridled.
Thus he sees himself met by a Ray from Heaven,
And his Possessions and Cattle blessed upon Hebron’s mountains.

J. W.