Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages
Augustus M. Toplady

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.
Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.

Could my tears forever flow? Could my zeal no languor know?
These for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring; Simply to thy cross I cling.

While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown, And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

Augustus Montague Toplady was born on November 4th, 1740. He was very much so spoiled by his mother after his father died in a war. He was never liked by anyone, including his relatives. However, Augustus was very interested in the Lord and began preaching to anyone who would listen at age twelve. He started writing hymns at age 14 and became a Christian at age 16 after attending a service in a barn. At 22 he was ordained and he died at the age of 38. His best known hymn, "Rock of Ages", has outlived him by many centuries.

*Hymn history taken from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan