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 wand’ring 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.


Alternate Version:

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 wand’ring 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 away for having grieved Thy love.
O may the least omission pain my well-instructed soul,
And drive me to that blood again, which makes the wounded whole!