Jesus, Priceless Treasure
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure” was written by Johann Franck (1618-1677). Franck was a law student at the University of Köningsberg and practiced law during the Thirty Year’s War. He was also a significant poet in his day. The author of about 110 hymns, Franck was second only to Paul Gerhardt, who was also the prolific author of many well-known and loved hymns.
The hymn “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” was originally written in German under the title, “Jesu Meine Freude.” This hymn is the subject of Bach’s Motet BWV 227 bearing the same name. It was later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth.
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure” is a beautiful hymn of love and adoration for Christ as the greatest and most loving friend one will ever have.
Here are the first and last verses:
1. Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
friend most sure and true:
long my heart was burning,
fainting much and yearning,
thirsting, Lord, for you.
Yours I am, O spotless Lamb,
so will I let nothing hide you,
seek no joy beside you!
4. Banish thoughts of sadness,
for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in;
though the clouds may gather,
those who love the Savior
still have peace within.
Though I bear much sorrow here,
still in you lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
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