Jay D Weaver's Thought for the Week

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages

"Rock of Ages" has traditionally been one of the most popular hymns in the English language. It seems to meet the spiritual needs of many people from the derelict on the city streets to the rulers in fine homes. Yet many are unaware that this hymn was born in a spirit of controversy rather than out of deep spiritual experience. The author, Augustus Toplady 1740 - 1778, was at one time a devotee of John and Charles Wesley. Later he became a follower of the "election" doctrine of John Calvin.

He became so opposed to the Arminian views of the Wesleys that a verbal warfare ensued between Toplady and the Wesleys. The Wesleys taught among other things the need for a contrite and remorseful repentence. The Arminian view of sanctification promoted the belief that it is possible for any believer to live without consciously sinning and thereby to find the promised "rest," the state of moral perfection as described in Hebrews 4:9.

Note Toplady's rebuttal in the second stanza:

"Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no languor know, these for sin could not atone-Thou must save, and Thou alone."

Some of the verses which we no longer sing are even stronger in their language to refute the Wesleyan theology.

Isn't it interesting that something born out of disagreement and controversy can become such a strong spiritual influence as is this hymn. I never seem to tire of hearing it. There are so many good renditions available, but my favorite is the one recorded by the Statler Brothers on their CD, "Today's Gospel Favorites."

The hymn tune for Rock of Ages was written by Thomas Hasting, 1784 - 1872. The name of the hymn tune is TOPLADY. If you would like to learn more about this hymn as well as others, you can find the information in a book by Kenneth W. Osbeck entitled "101 Hymn Stories." The book is published by Kregel publications and is available on amazon.com.

The MIDI file which is playing in the background was arranged by me for use by a male quartet. The melody is switched back and forth among the lead, the baritone, and the bass. The hymn text as it is usually sung today follows below:

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 hands 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.

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