THE ROSEATE HUES OF EARLY DAWN
"Unto you that fear My Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with
healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2
Words: Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander, 1853.
Music: "Ellacombe," Gesangbuch der H. W. k. Hofkapelle, Wurtemberg,
1784; adaptation and harmony by William Henry Monk, 1868.
Alternate tunes: * Amberley.
* Kingsfold.
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!