474. My God, I love Thee: not because

1 My God, I love Thee: not because
I hope for heav'n thereby;
Nor yet because if I love not
I must for ever die.

2 But, 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,
E'en death itself; and all for me
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heav'n,
Nor of escaping hell;

5 Not with the hope of gaining aught;
Not seeking a reward:
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!

6 E'en so I love thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my eternal King.

Text Information
First Line: My God, I love Thee: not because
Translator: E. Caswall
Author: Francis Xavier (?)
Language: English
Publication Date: 1920
Topic: General
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
Name: ST. BERNARD
Composer: J. Richardson
Meter: C.M.
Key: E♭ Major
Notes: Public Domain.



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