Now we hail the happy dawning

1 Now we hail the happy dawning
Of the Gospel's glorious light,
May it take the wings of morning,
And dispel the shades of night;
Blessed Saviour,
Let our eyes behold the sight.

2 Where, amid the desert dreary,
Plant, nor shrub, nor flowret grows,
There refresh the wand'rer weary,
With the sight of Sharon's Rose,
And its beauties
To the longing eye disclose.

3 Where the beasts of prey are prowling,
And the murd'rous serpents hiss,
There exchange the dismal howling
For the pleasing calm of peace;
And for ever
May destruction's empire cease.

4 Oh, let all the world adore thee--
Universal be thy fame;
Kings and subjects fall before thee,
And extol thy matchless name;
All ascribing
Endless praises to the Lamb.

Source: Hymns, Selected and Original: for public and private worship (1st ed.) #586