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St. Francis Xavier's Hymn of Love
O 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:
