Once I had a fervent heart

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 t’ignore?

In deep grief He acted

How can my heart ignore?

Once I yielded all my heart.

Not serving for reward;

But the world has used me now;

I’m with the worldly horde.

Once I worshipped

now I roam

Indulging to amuse;

Wasting days

repenting not;

I precious grace refuse.

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.

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.

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?

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.