343 – I Want a Principle Within

I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear, A sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near. Help me the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire, To catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.

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.

Almighty God of truth and love, to me Thy power impart; The burden from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart. O may the least omission pain my reawakened soul, And drive me to that grace again, which makes the wounded whole.