Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) ‎#593

593. Rock of ages, cleft for me

1 Rock of ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood
from thy riven side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure,
cleanse me from its guilt and power.

2 Not the labours of my hands
can fulfil thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears for ever flow,
all for sin could not atone:
thou must save, and thou alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the 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,
when my eyelids close in death,
when I soar through tracts unknown,
see thee on thy judgement throne:
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Rock of ages, cleft for me
• Author: A. M. Toplady (1740-1778)
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 7 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: God's Church: Doxology, Glory to God
• Notes: See revised version, 444

Tune Information

• Name: PETRA
• Composer: R. Redhead (1820-1901)
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 7 7
• Key: E Major
• Notes: Alternative tune: TOPLADY (444b)