1. My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
May eternally die.
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;
E’en death itself; and all for man
Who was Thine enemy.
4. Then why, O blessèd Jesus Christ
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell.
5. Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Nor seeking a reward,
But as Thyself hast lovèd me,
O everlasting Lord!
6. 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.
7. **alt verses
8. My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
are lost eternally.