'I want a principle within' (hymn) written by Charles Wesley

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.


That I from Thee no more may part,

No more Thy goodness grieve,

The filial awe, the feeling heart,

The tender conscience, give.


Quick as the glancing of an eye,

O God, my conscience make!

Awake my soul, when sin is nigh,

And keep it still awake.


If to the right or left I stray,

That moment, Lord, reprove;

And let me weep that hour away,

For having grieved Thy love.


O may the least omission pain

My well-instructed soul;

And drive to the blood again,

Which makes the wounded whole!

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