My God, I love thee: not because
I hope for heaven thereby;
Nor yet because if I love not
I must for ever die.

But, O my Jesus, thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace,

And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony,
E'en death itself; and all for me
Who was thine enemy.

Then why, O blessèd Jesus Christ,
Should I not love thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught;
Not seeking a reward:
But as thyself hast lovèd me,
O everloving Lord!

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.