Hymns, Selected and Original ‎#557

557. O that I were as heretofore

1 O that I were as heretofore;
When first sent forth in Jesus' name,
I rush'd through every open door,
And cried to all, "behold the Lamb!"

2 The God who kills and makes alive,
To me the quickening power impart;
Thy grace restore, thy work revive,
Retouch my lips, renew my heart.

3 I would the precious time redeem,
And longer live for this alone,
To spend, and to be spent for them
Who have not yet my Saviour known.

4 My talents, gifts, and graces, Lord,
Into thy blessed hands receive;
And let me live to preach thy word,
And let me for thy glory live.

5 Enlarge, inflame, and fill my heart
with boundless charity divine:
So shall I all my strength exert,
And love them with a zeal like thine.

Text Information

• First Line: O that I were as heretofore
• Meter: L. M.
• Publication Date: 1828
• Scripture:
  Job 29:2
• Topic: Kingdom and Church of Christ: Pastoral; Ministerial Love
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)