Today’s hymn is a gospel song from William MacKay (1839-1885), a Scottish physician who became a Presbyterian minister. Although raised by a devout Christian mother, he departed from what he was taught whilst studying, until one encounter in the hospital. The below is longer than I usually share, but I was so touched by the story I couldn’t keep it to myself. May the Lord use all our circumstances to revive us to love him always!
When asked the dying patient if there was anyone to notify he “shook his head. His only wish was to see his landlady, [and] requested his landlady send him, ‘The Book….’. I went to see him on my regular visits at least once a day. What struck me most was the quiet, almost happy expression constantly on his face. After the man died, some things about the deceased’s affairs were to be attended to in my presence. “What shall we do with this?” asked the nurse, holding up a book in her hand. “What kind of book is it?” I asked. “The Bible of the poor man. As long as he was able to read it, he did so, and when he was unable to do so anymore, he kept it under his bed cover.” I took the Bible and—could I trust my eyes? It was my own Bible! The Bible which my mother had given me when I left my parents’ home, and which later, when short of money, I sold for a small amount. My name was still in it, written in my mother’s hand. With a deep sense of shame I looked upon the precious Book. It had given comfort and refreshing to the unfortunate man in his last hours. It had been a guide to him into eternal life, so that he had been enabled to die in peace and happiness. And this Book, the last gift of my mother, I had actually sold for a ridiculous price. Be it sufficient to say that the regained possession of my Bible was the cause of my conversion.”1
We praise thee, O God,
For the Son of thy love,
For Jesus who died
And is now gone above.
Refrain
Hallelujah, thine the glory!
Hallelujah, Amen!
Hallelujah, thine the glory!
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Saviour,
And scattered our night. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain
Who hath borne all our sins
And hath cleansed every stain. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who has bought us; and sought us,
And guided our ways. [Refrain]
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above. [Refrain]
1hymncharts.com/2024/03/10/the-story-behind-revive-us-again/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20his%20renewed%20faith,%2C%20with%20the%20chorus%20%E2%80%9CHallelujah!
Hymn of the Day 