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!