The North Star of True Godliness

wealth, and pleasure, all vain original: "ydele"; the word implies emptiness or futility, a central theme in the "vanitas" tradition of the Dutch Golden Age. things, which perish with use. What is more, while the wisest among the children of this world A reference to Luke 16:8, referring to those who prioritize secular success over spiritual health. think they are improving their status, they actually destroy themselves, and lose their own souls in the process.

And even though God the Lord stands there, with the great weight of eternal glory A reference to 2 Corinthians 4:17, "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." in His hand, inviting them to His service, they nevertheless run past the Lord God, chasing a collection of insignificant trifles original: "beuselingen" which time devours; and thus they bury their own souls here [on earth] at an early stage, under a pile of earthly, perishable things, which are of no use anyway. With their body, and all that pertains to it (which they must leave behind here as food for the worms) they are extremely preoccupied; [but] their soul, which they should rightfully raise up to the high heaven, to have their fellowship The Dutch "omme-ganck" suggests a way of life, social intercourse, or "walking with" God. there, with the most high God and His—