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"



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