The Hymnal 1982 682
I love thee, Lord, but not because
- Tune
- st. fulbert
- Author(s)
- Edward Caswall, 1814-1878; Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936
- Composer(s)
- Henry John Gauntlett, 1805-1876
- Meter
- 8.6.8.6
- Text Source(s)
- Spanish, 17th cent.
More information available on ritesong or Hymnary.org.
1 I love thee, Lord, but not because I hope for heaven thereby, nor yet for fear that loving not I might for ever die;
2 but for that thou didst all the world upon the cross embrace; for us 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 one who was thine enemy.
4 Then why, most loving Jesus Christ, should I not love thee well, not for the sake of winning heaven, nor any fear of hell;
5 not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; but as thyself hast loved me, O ever loving 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.