Book of Worship (Rev. ed.) ‎#332

332. 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 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;
E’en death itself--and all for one
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blesséd Jesus Christ!
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell.

5 Not with the hope of gaining aught;
Nor seeking a reward,
But as Thyself hast lovéd me,
O ever-lasting 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
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1870
• Topic: Christians: their life and experience; Fruits of the Spirit: Love; Holy Spirit: Fruits of; Love: To Christ
• Notes: Author from index: Fr. Xavier

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