Author: Edward Caswall, 1814-1878 Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 207 hymnals Scripture: Luke 22:44 Lyrics: 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. Topics: Lent III Year A; Passiontide and Holy Week Used With Tune: ST FRANCIS XAVIER Text Sources: Latin, 17th century
My God, I love thee; not because