Once I had a fervent heart
|
1
|
Once I had a fervent heart, And growth in Christ did seek. Sadly now I love the world; My walk with Him is weak. Day and night I was refreshed, In testimony bold, Minding not the sufferings, But now my heart is cold. |
| How was I distracted— The Father to ignore? In deep grief He acted, How can my heart ignore? |
|
|
2
|
Once I yielded all my heart. Not serving for reward; But the world has used me now; I’m with the worldly hoard. Once I worshipped, now I roam, Indulging to amuse; Wasting days, repenting not; I precious grace refuse. |
|
3
|
Once my heart loved only Him, And time with Him would keep; Ardently I thought of Him In waking and asleep. Worldly favor then I shunned, The things did disregard; Now those worldly things I seek, By earth I now am marred. |
|
4
|
At His throne I knelt each day, And glory filled my heart; Union to His will I vowed, Nor wanted to depart. Happily my choice I’d lose, None else but His to seek. But much time has passed since then; My zeal for God is weak. |
|
5
|
Lab’ring vainly ’neath the sun Like shadow and like wind, Far from His directed flock, To vanity did tend. Things of earth will soon be gone; Why let them rule my soul? Once I watched for His return; Why take the wav’ring role? |
|
6
|
Soon the Morning Star appears; All life on earth grows short. This foul place I then must leave, Unto His arms resort. Satan and his world reject, Taste new grace once again, Now regain my long lost love, Refuse my shameful stain. |
| To His path returning, All the world ignoring, Glory soon appearing I’d suffer willingly. |
1
Milwaukee, WI, United States
Is the author, date and circumstance of this hymn known? It is so genuine. Tom.