William Paton Mackay

Hymn History: Revive Us Again & Author: William Paton Mackay

“A Scottish physician turned Presbyterian minister, his journey from skepticism to faith captures the power of divine intervention and the timeless call for spiritual renewal.”
(HymnCharts)

The Origin of the Hymn “Revive Us Again”

There are hymns that call forth the heart’s deepest longings for renewal, and among them, few are as enduring or as fervent as “Revive Us Again.” This stirring hymn, still sung by congregations across denominational lines, echoes the prayer of countless believers throughout history: a plea for spiritual revival, for renewed joy in the salvation of God, and for hearts refreshed by the Holy Spirit.

Penned by the 19th-century hymnwriter William Paton Mackay, “Revive Us Again” has stood the test of time, not only because of its rousing melody but also because of the story of redemption behind its author—a story of dramatic transformation from spiritual indifference to fervent faith.

William P. Mackay: From Skeptic Physician to Devoted Preacher

William Paton Mackay was born in Montrose, Scotland in 1839. He pursued a career in medicine and achieved success early in life, becoming a practicing physician in Edinburgh. Yet, despite his material success and intellectual prowess, Mackay was spiritually adrift in his younger years. He was raised in a Christian home, but like many young men of the era, he abandoned the faith of his childhood.

It was not until a profoundly personal tragedy that Mackay experienced a dramatic conversion. As the story goes, while working in the hospital, a gravely injured man was brought under his care. Mackay examined the man and found that he was dying. The patient asked for his landlady to bring him his book. When she did, Mackay observed that it was a well-worn Bible. After the man passed away, Mackay was struck with curiosity—and conviction. Opening the Bible, he was shocked to discover his own name inside. It was the very Bible his mother had given him when he left home. He had pawned it years earlier. That rediscovery led Mackay to repentance and faith.

Sometime after this event, Mackay left the medical profession to become a Methodist minister. His life was transformed by the grace of God, and he went on to dedicate himself to writing hymns and preaching about the new life found in Christ.

The Hymn: A Cry for Renewal

“Revive Us Again” was first published in 1863, not long after Mackay’s conversion. The hymn carries the heartbeat of revivalism that was characteristic of Protestant churches in the 19th century. With its spirited tune—composed by John J. Husband—it was commonly sung during camp meetings, evangelistic services, and revivals across both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The hymn reflects both gratitude and yearning:

We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died, and is now gone above.

It is a heartfelt anthem of praise for the work of Christ, followed by the fervent chorus:

Hallelujah! Thine the glory!
Hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory!
Revive us again.

Each stanza acknowledges a particular attribute of God or work of Christ, and then turns to the repeated refrain: a prayer and proclamation of revival. The phrase “Revive us again” becomes not just a plea for spiritual energy, but a recognition of God as the source of refreshment and restoration.

Scriptural Roots and Theological Depth

The message of “Revive Us Again” is steeped in Scripture. Biblical language fills its verses—words like “glory,” “praise,” and “spirit” evoke the vocabulary of the Psalms and the Epistles. The idea of revival itself is deeply scriptural: Psalm 85:6 asks, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Mackay’s hymn carries this same desire: that through God’s renewal, His people may joyfully praise Him once more.

The hymn also reflects a key theme in Mackay’s life: the power of God to restore the lost. Having himself been “revived” spiritually through an act of grace, Mackay knew firsthand the transformation he wrote about.

Popular Reception and Continuing Legacy

“Revive Us Again” made its way into hymnals across the English-speaking world by the late 19th century. Its lively tune and concise lyrics made it ideal for congregational and evangelistic singing. Many revivalist movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries used it as a theme song, and even today, it is a staple among Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian hymnals, as well as evangelical gatherings.

Modern worship leaders and gospel choirs have also revived the hymn—setting it to new arrangements, yet keeping the essence of its message intact.

A Timeless Prayer for Renewal

What gives “Revive Us Again” its enduring appeal is not merely its historical pedigree or its musical strength, but its relevance to every generation: our need for spiritual revival is ongoing. Whether sung by a packed revival tent or a small rural congregation, the hymn remains a declaration of hope—that God, in His mercy, can and does revive His people.

In a world longing for renewal, William P. Mackay’s triumphant hymn continues to call the Church to heartfelt praise and deeper devotion:

“Revive us again—fill each heart with Thy love.”