Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#458a

458a. My God, I love thee

1 My God, I love thee; not because
I hope for heav'n 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 heav'n,
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
• Title: My God, I love thee
• Translator: Edward Caswall, 1848-1878
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Ephesians 1:21
  ;
  John 20:26-29
  ;
  Romans 5:10
• Topic: Passiontide; Year C: Easter 2
• Source: Latin (17th century)

Tune Information

• Name: ST FRANCIS XAVIER
• Composer: John Stainer, 1840-1910
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major