Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/121



GOD, I love Thee for Thyself

And not that I may heaven gain,

Nor yet that they who love Thee not,

Must suffer hell’s eternal pain.

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;

E’en death itself — and all for one

Who was Thine enemy.

Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,

Should I not love Thee well:

Not for the sake of winning heaven,

Or of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught,

Not seeking a reward: