653. My God, I love Thee: not because

1 My God, I love Thee: not because
I hope for heaven thereby;
Nor yet because,if I love not
I must forever 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 blessèd Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Of of escaping hell;

5 Not with the hope of gaining aught;
Not seeking a reward:
But as Thyself hast lovèd 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.

Amen.

Text Information
First Line: My God, I love Thee: not because
Title: My God, I love Thee: not because
Translator: Rev. E. Caswall (1849)
Author (attributed to): S. Francis Xavier
Meter: C. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1894
Topic: Home and Personal Use; Love to God
Notes: Tune name in index: ST. SACRAMENT
Tune Information
Name: [My God, I love Thee: not because]
Composer: Geo. Wm. Warren, Mus. Doc.
Meter: C. M.
Key: F Major



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