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 one
who was thine enemy.

[4]
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
should I not love thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heaven
nor any fear of hell,

[5]
not from the hope of gaining aught,
not seeking a reward,
but as thyself has lovèd me,
O ever-loving Lord.

[6]
So would I Iove thee, dearest Lord,
and in thy praise will sing
solely because thou art my God
and my most loving King.