What is the world to me ? [ Hymn ]

What is the world to me,

With all its vaunted pleasure

When Thou, and Thou alone,

Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!

Thou only, dearest Lord,

My soul’s Delight shalt be;

Thou art my Peace, my Rest—

What is the world to me?

The world is like a cloud

And like a vapor fleeting,

A shadow that declines,

Swift to its end retreating.

My Jesus doth abide,

Though all things fade and flee;

My everlasting Rock—

What is the world to me?

The world seeks after wealth

And all that Mammon offers,

Yet never is content

Though gold should fill its coffers.

I have a higher good,

Content with it I’ll be:

My Jesus is my Wealth—

What is the world to me?

The world is sorely grieved

Whenever it is slighted

Or when its hollow fame

And honor have been blighted.

Christ, Thy reproach I bear

Long as it pleaseth Thee;

I’m honored by my Lord—

What is the world to me?

The world with wanton pride

Exalts its sinful pleasures

And for them foolishly

Gives up the heavenly treasures.

Let others love the world

With all its vanity;

I love the Lord, my God—

What is the world to me?

The world abideth not;

Lo, like a flash ’twill vanish;

With all its gorgeous pomp

Pale death it cannot banish;

Its riches pass away,

And all its joys must flee;

But Jesus doth abide—

What is the world to me?

What is the world to me?

My Jesus is my Treasure,

My Life, my Health, my Wealth,

My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,

My Joy, my Crown, my All,

Conclusion: God Is the Gospel—

Now Let Us Sacrifice and Sing

My Bliss eternally.

Once more, then, I declare—

What is the world to me?

Georg Michael Pfefferkorn