"What Is the World to Me" by Georg M. Pfefferkorn, 1667 Translated by August Crull, 1845-1923 Text From: THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941) 1. 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! 2. The would 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! 3. The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty, Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty. But what I truly prize Above all things is He, My Jesus, He alone,- What is the world to me! 4. The world seeks after wealth And all that Mammon offers, Yet never is content Though gold should fill it coffers. I have a higher good, Content with it I'll be: My Jesus is my Wealth,- What is the world to me! 5. 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! 6. 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! 7. The world abideth not; Lo, like a flash 'twill vanish; With all it 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! 8. 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, My Bliss eternally. Once more, then, I declare: What is the world to me! _______________________________________________________ Notes: Hymn #430 from The Lutheran Hymnal Text: 1 John 2: 15-17 Author: Georg M. Pfefferkorn, 1667 Translated by: August Crull,1923, alt. Titled: "Was frag' ich nach der Welt" Composer: Ahasverus Fritsch, 1679 Tune: "Was frag' ich nach der Welt" ______________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: CFWLibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 481-2123 Fax: (219) 481-2126 ______________________________________________________________