What want I with the world
And all its treasures?
In Thee alone, Lord Jesus,
Are my true pleasures;
Thou art my soul’s delight;
My joy I find in Thee!
My rest and peace art Thou!
My heart’s tranquility!
What want I with the world?
The world is as a smoke
Which vanishes in air;
And, like a shadow fleet,
That stays not anywhere;
My Jesus, though, remains,
When all things else decline;
My heart’s true confidence,
Jesus alone is mine!
What want I with the world?
As grass it fades away;
The stamp of death is there;
It hasteth to decay;
Health does itself depart;
All earthly creatures fade;
Jesus sustains; my heart
Is by His love repaid.
What want I with the world?
My Jesus is my life,
My substance, and my joy;
In this poor scene of strife
To Him I gladly bow;
I worship at His feet;
He is my heaven, my all;
Therefore do I repeat,
What want I with the world?
From the German,
The Christian Friend, 1874
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