I want a principle within
1
I want a principle within,Of jealous, godly fear;A sensibility of sin,A pain to feel it near;I want the first approach to feel,Of pride or fond desire;To catch the wandering of my will,And quench the kindling fire.
2
From thee that I no more may part,No more thy goodness grieve,The filial awe, the fleshly heart,The tender conscience, give.Quick as the apple of an eye,O God, my conscience make;Awake my soul when sin is nigh,And keep it still awake.
3
If to the right or left I stray,That moment, Lord, reprove;And let me weep my life awayFor having grieved thy love.O, may the least omission painMy well-instructed soul!And drive me to the blood againWhich makes the wounded whole.