Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19–20
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 751. Created good unsatisfying.
Music: Gräfenberg Johann Crüger, Praxis Pietatis Melica, 1647 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Let others worldly riches prize,
I scorn this earthly clod;
My portion is above the skies,
My Savior and my God.
In all that men call good and great,
No pleasure can I find;
A lofty house, or large estate,
Can ne’er content the mind.
Were the Peruvian mountains mine,
With all their hidden store,
Did I in gold and jewels shine,
I still should wish for more.
Not Crœsus’ wealth, nor Cæsar’s power,
Were I of both possessed,
Could inward peace and joy restore,
Or ease the troubled breast.
Restless I rove from place to place,
And search from pole to pole,
’Till Jesus shows His lovely face,
There’s nought can cheer my soul.