Rock of Orange Street

A few summers back, I worshipped one morning at Orange Street Congregational Church in central London. Although the congregation was small, it faithfully preached gospel truth, despite its venerable age, and institutions' propensity to decline with time. In the eighteenth century, Reverend Augustus Toplady ministered here. During that period, he wrote the hymn Rock of Ages, so the present church is proud that it was within its walls that the hymn was first heard. Prime Minister William Gladstone thought it the best hymn in the English language, while Prince Albert asked it be sung at his deathbed. Should ever it played at my own, my spirit will depart with as much joy as it shall be received on the other side.

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 labour of my hands

Can fulfill 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,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgement throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.

Augustus Toplady