I Want a Principle Within

By Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

1. I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear,

a sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near.

I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire,

to catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.

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2. From thee that I no more may stray, no more thy goodness grieve,

grant me the filial awe, I pray, 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.

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3. Almighty God of truth and love, to me thy power impart;

the mountain from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart.

O may the least omission pain my reawakened soul,

and drive me to that blood again, which makes the wounded whole.

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