My God, I love Thee! not because
I hope for heaven thereby;
Nor because those who love Thee not
Must burn eternally.
Thus, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace!
For me didst bear the nail and spear
And manifold disgrace.
And griefs and torments numberless
And sweat of agony,
Yea, death itself - and all for one
That was Thy enemy.
Then why, O blessed 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 has loved me
O everlasting 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!
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