The Christian Hymnary. Bks. 1-4 ‎#178

178. Rock of Ages

1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee!
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flow'd,
Be of sin the perfect cure;
Cleanse me from its guilt and pow'r.

2 Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfil Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die!

4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
Should mine eyelids close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Rock of Ages, cleft for me
• Title: Rock of Ages
• Author: Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) (1776)
• Alterer: Thomas Cotterill, 1779-1823
• Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1972
• Scripture:
  Psalm 18:31
• Topic: Book One: Hymns, Songs, Chorales; Jesus Christ: Succour, Salvation
• Notes: Who is a Rock save our God? Ps. 18:31.

Tune Information

• Name: REDHEAD
• Composer: Richard Redhead, 1820-1901
• Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.7.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: M.M. 66