Hymnal: Hymns, Selected and Original #557 (1828) Meter: 8.8.8.8 Hymnal Title: Hymns, Selected and Original Lyrics: 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.
Topics: Kingdom and Church of Christ Pastoral; Ministerial Love Scripture: Job 29:2
O that I were as heretofore