The Roseate Hues of Early Dawn

The ro­se­ate hues of ear­ly dawn

the bright­ness of the day

The crim­son of the sun­set sky

how fast they fade away!

O for the pear­ly gates of Heav’n! O for the gold­en floor!

O for the sun of right­eous­ness that set­teth nev­er­more!

The high­est hopes we cher­ish here

how fast they tire and faint!

How many a spot de­files the robe that wraps an earth­ly saint!

O for a heart that nev­er sins! O for a soul washed white!

O for a voice to praise our king

nor wea­ry day or night!

Here faith is ours

and heav­en­ly hopes

and grace to lead us high­er;

But there are per­fect­ness and peace be­yond our best de­sire.

O by Thy love and ang­uish

Lord

O by Thy life laid down

Grant that we fall not from Thy grace

nor cast away our crown!