The Church Hymnal ‎#474

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.