458b. 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: ; ;
Topic: Passiontide; Year C: Easter 2
Source: Latin (17th century)
Tune Information
Name: SOLOMON
Composer: Handel (adapt.)
Meter: CM
Key: D Major
Source: Adapted from an aria in Handel's "Solomon" (1749)



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