A Hymn for Revival

I recently discovered an unfamiliar hymn story that sent tears down my face. It's such a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and desire to bring every soul to Himself. 

The Story

Born in Scotland in 1839, William MacKay was raised by his devoutly Christian mother. Despite this foundation, his transition to University to study medicine marked the beginning of a departure from the principles he had learned.

William went down a path of heavy drinking and moral decline, to the point where he even pawned the very Bible his mother had given him as a keepsake and spiritual guide.

One day after William had become a doctor,  a young mason’s helper was brought into the emergency room with life-threatening injuries.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, MacKay asked the young man if he had any relatives that should be notified.

The young man shook his head but asked if the nurse could contact his landlady to ask her to bring him “The Book.” 

After the boy’s death, the nurse came to MacKay and asked what to do with the young man’s things. Dr. MacKay looked through them and was surprised to see that “The Book” the young man had drawn comfort from in his final days was the very Bible his mother had given him with his name written in her own hand. 

Ashamed that he had sold such a treasured possession for such a low price and shocked that it had come back to him, MacKay’s heart was deeply touched and convicted.

He later wrote “the regained possession of my Bible was the cause of my conversion.”

He also wrote “Revive Us Again” to commemorate his own spiritual renewal.

Revive Us Again

by William MacKay, 1839-1885

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 has shown us Saviour, and scattered our night. [Refrain]

All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins, and has 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]