730a. My God, I love thee; not because

1 My God, I love thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet because who love thee not
are lost eternally.

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;
yea, death itself — and all for me
who was thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessèd Jesu Christ,
should I not love thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
nor of escaping hell;

5 Not from the hope of gaining aught,
not seeking a reward;
but as thyself hast lovèd me,
O ever-loving Lord.

6 So would I love thee, dearest Lord,
and in thy praise will sing;
solely because thou art my God,
and my most loving King.

Text Information
First Line: My God, I love thee; not because
Author: Edward Caswall (1814-1878) (alt.)
Meter: CM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2013
Scripture: ; ;
Topic: Church year: Passiontide; Church Year: Good Friday; Devotion (3 more...)
Source: Based on O Deus ego amo te, (Latin, 17th century)
Tune Information
Name: ST FRANCIS XAVIER
Composer: John Stainer (1840-1901)
Meter: CM
Key: D Major



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