Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes ‎#451b

451b. 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 For me to lowest depths of woe
Thou didst Thyself abase;
For me didst bear the cross and shame,
And manifold disgrace.

3 For me didst suffer pains unknown,
Blood-sweat and agony,
Yea, death itself--all, all for me
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessèd Saviour mine,
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,
Not seeking a reward--
But freely, fully, as Thyself
Hast lovèd me, O 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
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899

Tune Information

• Name: WITTENBERG
• Composer: Johann G. Frech