Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Alfred H. Miles, ed. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century. 1907.

By Hymns and Sacred Poems. I. Earth and Heaven

Cecil Frances Alexander (1823–1895)

THE ROSEATE hues of early dawn,

The brightness of the day,

The crimson of the sunset sky,

How fast they fade away!

Oh, for the pearly gates of Heaven,

Oh, for the golden floor,

Oh, 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!

Oh, for a heart that never sins,

Oh, for a robe washed bright,

Oh, for a voice to praise our King,

Nor weary day or night!

Here faith is ours, and heavenly hope,

And grace to lead us higher;

But there are perfectness, and peace,

Beyond our best desire.

Oh, by Thy love and anguish, Lord!

Oh, by Thy life laid down,

Oh, that we fall not from Thy grace

Nor cast away our crown.