EMBLEMS. EMBELLISHED WITH ETCHINGS ON COPPER, AFTER THE FASHI MASTER FRANCIS QUARLES. DESIGNED. AND WRITTEN BY, JOHANN ABRICHT, A. M. THOMAS WARD AND CO. PATERNOSTER ROW MDCCCXXXVIII. 331. TO THE READER. As two centuries have nearly elapsed since Emblems of this description were written, the Editor judges that a few prefatory remarks may not be considered obtrusive by the general Reader, but be estimated as highly acceptable by the rising generation: remembering as he does full well, how in youth himself often sought assistance from the aged, that he might the better comprehend the admirable Francis Quarles-to whose Emblems these bear a striking resemblance. It may be as well to state, that Quarles adopted several chief personations, viz. The Globe-or Earth with a cross and bands; for the world in a moral sense. A Cupid-like boy-for the Flesh, or unregenerated and carnal mind. A similar Cupid, with a halo-encircled head-for the Divine Spirit or Bridegroom, which he calls the "divine Cupid." A Female-for the Church, Bride, or regenerated soul. Folly and Vanity—with cap, bells, &c. B The same agents are used in these Emblems, Mammon being the chief tempter; and the same quaintness of language, and grotesqueness in drawing and clothing the figures, has been followed-with respect to them, generally, be Quarles' defence our Author's. "An Emblem is but a silent Parable. Let not the "tender eye check, to see the allusion to our blessed "Saviour figured in these Types. In Holy Scripture he "is sometimes called Sower; sometimes, Fisher; some"times, Physician; and why not presented so as well "to the eye as to the ear?-Before the knowledge of "Letters, God was known by Hieroglyphicks. And "indeed what are the Heavens, the Earth, nay, every “Creature, but Hieroglyphicks and Emblems of his "Glory?" REMARKS ON THE EMBLEMS BY EMBLEM I. This appears to represent the Sinner or carnal-minded man, revelling in the sunshine, luxuries, and honours of the World: Mammon "the god of this world" is seen seated on the Globe showering on him riches and rank. On the opposite side is the Church or Soul in a benighted state, arising from her too great dependence "on good works," emblemed by a few embers, from which she receives no warmth.-She is (previously to being aware of her error) not only experiencing the frowns of the world, but undergoing the threatenings of divine wrath. "Hail! Phospher," &c. &c. The old writers were fond of typifying with the Star Lucifer-called Hesper when an evening, and Phospher, when a morning Star. The author has chosen the latter appearance to emblem the return of divine favour.Milton says, "Then the bright morning star, day's harbinger," &c. EMB. II. Cupid, or the carnal mind, is here represented riding on the World, which he seems to have completely under control-all his undertakings having been successful, his avarice and ambition know no bounds-he glides along in pursuit of new lusts, and is as yet accompanied by sunshine and Zephyrs. EMB. III. This is a continuation, or result of the foregoing: showing the error of self-sufficiency in every point of view; but particularly such as arises from successful worldly speculations, &c.; and the folly of turning a deaf ear to advice. The World is represented as no longer subject to his will, but on the contrary, is overwhelming himobstinate in opinion he believes not its treachery, but still clings to it, and is on the point of drowning. "El Dorado," the country Sir Walter Raleigh sailed in search of. |