I Want a Principle Within


I want a principle within that lifts my heart from fear,
A sensibility wherein life’s goodness draws me near.
Discerning how I think and feel in all things I require,
To guide the wand’ring of my will and grasp that holy fire.


From trust that I no more may stray, no more time’s promise grieve,
To hear that still, small voice, I pray, to tender conscience cleave.
Quick as the apple of an eye, that inner wisdom make;
Bestir, my soul, when trouble’s nigh, and keep my heart awake.


O source of life, of hope, of love, to me thy pow’r impart;
The splinters from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart.
O may compassion now entrain my reawakened soul,
And lead me to that spring again, which makes the wounded whole.