The United Methodist Hymnal

410

I Want a Principle Within

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.

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.

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.

WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1749; J. Stimpson
MUSIC: Louis Spohr, 1834
Theme: Aspiration and Resolve; Christian Perfection; Integrity; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Personal Holiness