The New English Hymnal ‎#445

445. 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 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,
When mine eyes are closed 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: Augustus Toplady, 1740-78 (alt.)
• Meter: 77 77 77
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Lent; Passiontide

Tune Information

• Name: PETRA
• Composer: Richard Redhead, 1820-1901
• Meter: 77 77 77
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Redhead composed using the shape of a Spanish "Tantum Ergo"