1 My God, I love Thee, not because
I hope for heav'n thereby,
nor yet for fear that, loving not,
I might forever die.
But for that Thou didst all mankind
upon the cross embrace;
for us didst bear the nails and spear,
and manifold disgrace;
2 And griefs and torments numberless,
and sweat of agony,
e'en death itself, and all for man,
who was Thine enemy.
Then why, most loving Jesus Christ,
should I not love Thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heav'n,
nor any fear of hell;
3 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
nor seeking a reward,
but as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!
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!
Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #336
First Line: | My God, I love Thee, not because |
Title: | My God, I Love Thee, Not Because |
Latin Title: | O Deus, ego amo Te |
Translator: | Edward Caswall (1849) |
Author (attributed to): | St. Francis Xavier |
Meter: | 8.6.8.6 |
Language: | English |
Copyright: | Public Domain |