MY God, I love thee! not because I hope for heaven thereby; Nor because those who love thee not Must burn eternally. Thou, 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, Yea, death itself, -- and all for one That was thine 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 hast 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. |