CPWI Hymnal ‎#138

138. 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, most blessèd Jesu 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,
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
• Latin Title: O Deus ego amo te
• Author: Anonymous
• Translator: Edward Caswall, 1814-1878 (alt.)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Scripture:
  1 John 4:19
• Topic: Hymns for the Church Year: Passion and Holy Week
• Source: 17th century, Latin

Tune Information

• Name: ST FRANCIS XAVIER
• Composer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: E♭ Major