Christian Classics
‹ The Chorale Book for England

Catherine Winkworth (trans. & ed.) · 156 of 213

151. Jesu, priceless treasure

Love to the Saviour

(LIII.--"Jesu, meine Freude.")

Original Tune.

Jesu, priceless treasure, Source of purest pleasure, Truest Friend to me; Ah! how long I've panted, And my heart hath fainted, Thirsting, Lord, for Thee! Thine I am, O spotless Lamb, I will suffer nought to hide Thee, Nought I ask beside Thee.

In Thine arm I rest me, Foes who would molest me Cannot reach me here; Though the earth be shaking, Every heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear; Sin and hell in conflict fell With their bitter storms assail me, Jesus will not fail me.

Wealth, I will not heed thee, For I do not need thee, Jesus is my choice; Honours, ye may glisten, But I will not listen To your tempting voice; Pain or loss, nor shame nor cross, E'er to leave my Lord shall move me, Since He deigns to love me.

Farewell, thou who choosest Earth, and heaven refusest, Thou wilt tempt in vain; Farewell, sins, nor blind me, Get ye all behind me, Come not forth again: Past your hour, O Pride and Power; life, thy bonds I sever, Farewell now for ever!

Hence, all fears and sadness, For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in; They who love the Father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within; Yea, whate'er I here must bear, Still in Thee lies purest pleasure, Jesu, priceless treasure!

Jesu, meine Freude