Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Above:  Christ Pantocrator

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = American Lutheran Hymnal (1930), American Lutheran Church (1930-1960) and its predecessor bodies

Original German Words (circa 1653) by Johann Franck (1618-1677)

English Translation by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1.  Jesus, priceless Treasure,

Fount of truest pleasure,

Dearest Friend to me!

Ah, how long in anguish

Shall my spirit languish,

Thirsting, Lord, for Thee?

Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!

I will suffer naught to hide Thee,

Naught I ask beside Thee.

2.  In Thine arms I rest me,

Foes who would molest me

Cannot reach me here;

Tho’ the earth be quaking

And the heavens shaking,

Jesus calms my fear.

Lightnings flash and thunders crash,

Sin and hell in wrath assail me,

Yet He will not fail me.

3.  Hence, ye earthly treasures!

I disown your pleasures,

Jesus is my choice.

Hence, thou empty glory!

Naught to me thy story,

Told with tempting voice.

Peril, loss, disdain and cross

Shall not from my Savior wrest me,

Who hath owned and blest me.

4.  Hence, ye moods of sadness!

For the sun of gladness

Deigns to shine in me.

They who love the Father,

Tho’ the clouds may gather,

Filled with peace shall be.

Though of care I have my share,

Thou art still my joy and pleasure,

Jesus, priceless Treasure!