My God, I love Thee; not because I hope for Heav’n thereby, Nor yet because who love Thee not May eternally die. 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; Even death itself; and all for man Who was Thine enemy. Then why, O blessèd 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, Nor seeking a reward, But as Thyself hast lovèd me, O everloving Lord! Even so I love Thee, and will love, And in Thy praise will sing, Solely because Thou art my God, And my eternal king.