Ancient and Modern ‎#730a

730a. My God, I love thee; not because

1 My God, I love thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet because who love thee not
are lost eternally.

2 Thou, O my Jesus, thou didst me
upon the cross embrace;
for me didst bear the nails and spear,
and manifold disgrace;

3 And griefs and torments numberless,
and sweat of agony;
yea, death itself — and all for me
who was thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessèd Jesu Christ,
should I not love thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
nor of escaping hell;

5 Not from the hope of gaining aught,
not seeking a reward;
but as thyself hast lovèd me,
O ever-loving Lord.

6 So would I love thee, dearest Lord,
and in thy praise will sing;
solely because thou art my God,
and my most loving King.

Text Information

• First Line: My God, I love thee; not because
• Author: Edward Caswall (1814-1878) (alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Romans 5:6-11
  ;
  1 John 4:8-10
  ;
  1 John 4:18-19
• Topic: Church year: Passiontide; Church Year: Good Friday; Devotion; Heaven; Love for God; Passiontide
• Source: Based on O Deus ego amo te, (Latin, 17th century)

Tune Information

• Name: ST FRANCIS XAVIER
• Composer: John Stainer (1840-1901)
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major