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I Want a Principle Within
Hymn composed by
Louis SpohrContextual information
Though it’s possible I heard this hymn as a child going to a Methodist church, I came across it as an adult thanks to a congregant. And as a Unitarian Universalist, how could I resist a hymn with the word “principle” in the title? The original words are by Charles Wesley, who wrote an incredible number of hymns for the Methodists, but I’ve adapted his verses for Unitarian Universalists to bring out the hymn’s message about the importance of cultivating something within ourselves that helps us figure out right from wrong.
Though it’s possible I heard this hymn as a child going to a Methodist church, I came across it as an adult thanks to a congregant. And as a Unitarian Universalist, how could I resist a hymn with the word “principle” in the title? The original words are by Charles Wesley, who wrote an incredible number of hymns for the Methodists, but I’ve adapted his verses for Unitarian Universalists to bring out the hymn’s message about the importance of cultivating something within ourselves that helps us figure out right from wrong.
Tune Name
GERALD
Tune Name
Text Meter
8.6.8.6.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Louis SpohrHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Composer Website LinkSpiritual tags
Other tags
Lyricist Background information
Rev. Andrew C. Millard Ph.D. (he/they/A) has served the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula in Newport News, VA since 2010.
Arranger Background information
Arranger Website LinkLyrics
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.
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files
Slides
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