Augustus Toplady

Augustus Toplady
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Short Name: Augustus Toplady
Full Name: Toplady, Augustus, 1740-1778
Birth Year: 1740
Death Year: 1778

Toplady, Augustus Montague, the author of "Rock of Ages," was born at Farnham, Surrey, November 4, 1740. His father was an officer in the British army. His mother was a woman of remarkable piety. He prepared for the university at Westminster School, and subsequently was graduated at Trinity College, Dublin. While on a visit in Ireland in his sixteenth year he was awakened and converted at a service held in a barn in Codymain. The text was Ephesians ii. 13: "But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." The preacher was an illiterate but warm-hearted layman named Morris. Concerning this experience Toplady wrote: "Strange that I, who had so long sat under the means of grace in England, should be brought nigh unto God in an obscure part of Ireland, amidst a handful of God's people met together in a barn, and under the ministry of one who could hardly spell his name. Surely this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous." In 1758, through the influence of sermons preached by Dr. Manton on the seventeenth chapter of John, he became an extreme Calvinist in his theology, which brought him later into conflict with Mr. Wesley and the Methodists. He was ordained to the ministry in the Church of England in 1762, and in 1768 he became vicar of Broadhembury, a small living in Devonshire, which he held until his death. The last two or three years of his life he passed in London, where he preached in a chapel on Orange Street. His last sickness was of such a character that he was able to make a repeated and emphatic dying testimony. A short time before his death he asked his physician what he thought. The reply was that his pulse showed that his heart was beating weaker every day. Toplady replied with a smile: "Why, that is a good sign that my death is fast approaching; and, blessed be God, I can add that my heart beats stronger and stronger every day for glory." To another friend he said: "O, my dear sir, I cannot tell you the comforts I feel in my soul; they are past expression. . . . My prayers are all converted into praise." He died of consumption August 11, 1778. His volume of Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship was published in 1776. Of the four hundred and nineteen hymns which it contained, several were his own productions.
If on a quiet sea 446
Rock of ages, cleft for me 279

Hymn Writers of the Church, 1915 by Charles S. Nutter
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Toplady, Augustus Montague, M.A. The life of Toplady has been repeatedly and fully written, the last, a somewhat discursive and slackly put together book, yet matterful, by W. Winters (1872). Summarily, these data may be here given: he was born at Farnham, in Surrey, on November 4, 1740. His father, Richard Toplady, was a Major in the British array, and was killed at the siege of Carthagena (1741) soon after the birth of his son. His widowed mother placed him at the renowned Westminster school, London. By-and-by circumstances led her to Ireland, and young Augustus was entered at Trinity College, Dublin, where he completed his academical training, ultimately graduating M.A. He also received his "new birth" in Ireland under remarkable conditions, as he himself tells us with oddly mixed humility and lofty self-estimate, as "a favourite of heaven," common to his school:—

"Strange that I who had so long sat under the means of grace in England should be brought right unto God in an obscure part of Ireland, midst a handful of people met together in a barn, and by the ministry of one who could hardly spell his own name. Surely it was the Lord's doing and is marvellous. The excellency of such power must be of God and cannot be of man. The regenerating spirit breathes not only on whom but likewise, when and where and as He listeth."

Toplady received orders in the Church of England on June 6, 1762, and after some time was appointed to Broadhembury. His Psalms and Hymns of 1776 bears that he was then “B.A." and Vicar of Broadhembury. Shortly thereafter be is found in London as minister of the Chapel of the French Calvinists in Leicester Fields. He was a strong and partizan Calvinist, and not well-informed theologically outside of Calvinism. We willingly and with sense of relief leave unstirred the small thick dust of oblivion that has gathered on his controversial writings, especially his scurrilous language to John Wesley because of his Arminianism, as we do John Wesley's deplorable misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Calvinism.

Throughout Toplady lacked the breadth of the divine Master's watchword "Forbid him not, for he that is not against us is for us" (St. Luke ix. 50). He was impulsive, rash-spoken, reckless in misjudgment; but a flame of genuine devoutness burned in the fragile lamp of his overtasked and wasted body. He died on August 11, 1778. The last edition of his works is in 6 vols., 8 vo., 1825. An accurate reproduction of most of his genuine hymns was one of the reprints of Daniel Sedgwick, 1860. His name occurs and recurs in contemporary memoirs and ecclesiastical histories, e.g., in Tyerman's Life of John Wesley. The reader will find in their places annotations on the several hymns of Toplady, and specially on his "Rock of Ages,” a song of grace that has given him a deeper and more inward place in millions of human hearts from generation to generation than almost any other hymnologist of our country, not excepting Charles Wesley. Besides the "Rock of Ages" must be named, for power, intensity, and higher afflatus and nicer workmanship, "Object of my first desire,” and "Deathless principle arise." It is to be regretted that the latter has not been more widely accepted. It is strong, firm, stirring, and masterful. Regarded critically, it must be stated that the affectionateness with which Toplady is named, and the glow and passion of his faith and life, and yearning after holiness, have led to an over-exaltation of him as a hymnwriter. Many of his hymns have been widely used, and especially in America, and in the Evangelical hymnbooks of the Church of England. Year by year, however, the number in use is becoming less. The reason is soon found. He is no poet or inspired singer. He climbs no heights. He sounds no depths. He has mere vanishing gleams of imaginative light. His greatness is the greatness of goodness. He is a fervent preacher, not a bard. [Rev. A. B. Grosart, D.D., LL.D.]

Toplady's hymns and poetical pieces were published in his:—
(1) Poems on Sacred Subjects wherein The Fundamental Doctrines of Christianity, with many other interesting Points, are occasionally introduced. . . Dublin: Printed by S. Powell, in Crane-lane, MDCCLIX.; (2) his Psalms & Hymns for Public and Private Worship, 1776; (3) in The Gospel Magazine, 1771-1776; and (4) in Hymns and Sacred Poems on a variety of Divine Subjects, &c. D. Sedgwick's reprint, 1860. His Works, with a Memoir by W. Row, were published in 6 volumes, in 1794. Walter How was also the editor of the 2nd and some later editions of the Psalms & Hymns. He was a most careless editor, and attributed several hymns by C. Wesley and others to Toplady.

The following additional hymns in common use together with centos indicated in the sub-lines, are from:—
i. His Poems on Sacred Subjects, 1759.
1. Can my heaven-born soul submit? All for Christ.
2. Come from on high, my King and God. Holiness desired.
(1.) 0 might this worthless heart of mine.
3. Earnest of future bliss. The Witness of the Spirit.
4. From Thy supreme tribunal, Lord. Christ's Righteousness a Refuge.
(1.) The spotless Saviour lived for me.
5. Great God, Whom heaven, and earth, and sea. For Peace.
6. I saw, and lo! a countless throng. Saints' Days. Revised form in the Gospel Magazine, 1774, p. 449.
7. Immovable our hope remains. Divine Faithfulness.
8. Jesus, God of love, attend. Divine Worship. Pt. ii. is "Prayer can mercy's door unlock."
9. Jesus, Thy power I fain would feel. Lent.
10. Lord, I feel a carnal mind. Mind of Christ desired.
11. My yielding heart dissolves as wax. On behalf of Arians, &c.
(1.) 0 Jesus, manifest Thy grace.
12. Not to myself I owe. Praise for Conversion,
(1.) Not to ourselves we owe.
(2.) The Father's grace and love.
13. 0 that my heart was right with Thee. Dedication to God desired.
14. 0 Thou that hearest the prayer of faith. Christ the Propitiation.
15. 0 Thou Who didst Thy glory leave. Thanksgiving for Redemption.
16. 0 when wilt Thou my Saviour be. Trust in Jesus.
(1.) Jesus, the sinner's Rest Thou art.
17. Redeemer, whither should I flee? Safety in the Cross.
18. Remember, Lord, that Jesus bled. Pardon.
19. Surely Christ thy griefs hath borne. Redemption. Revised text in Gospel Magazine, 1774, p. 548.
(1.) Weary sinner, keep thine eyes.
(2.) Weeping soul, no longer mourn.

ii. From the Gospel Magazine.
20. Compared with Christ, in all besides. Christ All in All. Feb. 1772.
21. Eternal Hallelujahs Be to the Father given. Holy Trinity, Dec. 1774.
22. From whence this fear and unbelief. Reviving Faith, Feb. 1772.
23. How vast the benefits divine. Redemption. Dec. 1774. From this "Not for the works which we have done" is taken.
24. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? Christ All and in All, Feb. 1772. From this "If my Lord Himself reveal" is taken.
25. Jesus, immutably the same. Jesus, the True Vine. June, 1771.
All these hymns, together with "O precious blood, 0 glorious death" (Death of Christ), are in D. Sedgwick's reprint of Toplady's Hymns, &c, 1860. We have met with several other hymns to which Toplady's name is appended, but for this we can find no authority whatever.

-- Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)


Texts by Augustus Toplady (195)sort descendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
A debtor to mercy aloneA. M. Toplady (Author)English78
A sovereign Protector I haveToplady (Author)English10
Aki értem megnyíltálAugustus Toplady (Author)Hungarian2
All glory and praise to the Ancient of DaysAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)5
All my sins imputed wereToplady (Author)3
Amplest grace in Thee I findToplady (Author)English3
إن سلكنا لج بحرAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Arabic1
Astonished and distressedAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English52
At anchor laid, remote from home Toplady (Author)English65
Awake, sweet gratitude and singToplady (Author)English39
أيها الفادي الغفور ملجإي صخر الدهورAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Arabic1
Behold, the awful day comes onAugustus Toplady (Author)English2
Behold what condescending loveAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English9
Благодатная скалаAugustus Toplady (Author)Russian2
Blessed Comforter, come downAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)10
Blest are the saints, O GodAugustus M. Toplady (Author)English5
Blow ye the trumpet, blowToplady (Author)English34
Bundesfels, geöffnet mirAugustus Toplady (Author)German1
Burst thy shackles, drop thy clayAugustus M. Toplady (Author)3
Can aught below engross my thoughts?Augustus Toplady (Author)2
Charged with the complicated loadAugustus Toplady (Author (stanzas 1 & 2))1
Christ to know is life and peaceAugustus Montague Toplady, 1740-78 (Author)3
Christ, Whose glory fills the skiesToplady (Author)English7
Come, guilty souls, and flee awayToplady (Author)English1
Come, Holy Spirit, come; Let thy bright beams ariseAugustus M. Toplady (Alterer)English21
Come, ye sinners, poor and needyToplady (Alterer)English6
Compared with Christ, in all besideToplady (Author)English64
Could my tears ever flowAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Dearest Savior, help Thy servantAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English16
Deathless spirit, now ariseToplady (Author)English47
With gladsome feet we pressRev. Augustus Montague Toplady (Author)English1
Deathless spirit, drop thy clayAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Dying Creator, slaughtered LambAugustus Toplady (Author)English2
Dying saint, to glory riseAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)4
E Iesu ka mohai no'u, Holo au iloko ouAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Hawaiian3
Earnest of future blissAugustus Toplady (Author)English9
Earth has engrossed my love too longAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English2
Emptied of earth, I fain would beAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)17
Encompassed with clouds of distressAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English76
Ew'ger Fels, gespaltet mirAugustus Toplady (Author)German2
Ew'ger Fels, zerklüftet mirAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German5
Ew'ger Felsen, nur in dichAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German3
Ew'ger Felsen, öffne dichAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German6
Fastened within the veilAugustus Toplady (Author)2
Father, behold with gracious eyes, Those who through Christ draw nearAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Father, Creator of mankindAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Father, to thee, in Christ, I [we] flyAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Father, whate'er of earthly blissA. Toplady (Alterer)English23
Fels der Ewigkeit, in dichAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German3
Fels der Felsen, ewiglichAug. M. Toplady (Author)German5
Fels des Bundes, aufgetanA. M. Toplady (Author)German6
Fels des Heils, geöffnet mirAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German14
Fels des Heils, in aller NotAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German3
Fels des Heils, mir aufgetanAugustus M. Toplady (Author)German1
Fels des Heils, o öffne dichAugustus Toplady (Author)German4
Fels des Lebens, du mein HortAugustus Toplady (Author)German1
For me, vouchsafed the unspotted LambAugustus Toplady (Author)3
For us, the dear Redeemer diedToplady (Author)English1
Fountain of never-ceasing graceAugustus Toplady (Author)English5
From evil secure, and its dreadAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)4
From thy supreme tribunal, LordAugustus Toplady (Author)1
From whence this fear and unbeliefAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English18
Gottes-Fels, zerklafft für michAugustus M. Toplady (Author)German1
Grace! 'tis a charming soundAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English20
Graig yr Oesoedd! cuddia fi (Rock of Ages, cleft for me)Augustus Toplady (Author)Welsh3
Great God, whom heaven, and earth, and seaAugustus Toplady (Author)15
Hail, Father, hail, eternal SonToplady (Author)2
Hail, Father, hail, thou blessed SonAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Hail! mighty Jesus, how divineA. T. (Alterer (stanzas 1-3))English4
Hail, Thou once-despised Jesus!A. M. Toplady (Author)English33
Happiness, delightful nameToplady (Author)English4
Happiness, thou lovely nameAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English12
He dies! the friend of sinners dies!Augustus Toplady (Alterer)English2
Holy Ghost, dispel our sadnessToplady (Author)English34
How blest are they, O LordA. Toplady (Author)English2
How happy are the souls aboveAugustus M. Toplady (Author)5
How happy are we, Our election who seeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English16
How mighty thou art, O Lord, to convert!Toplady (Author)English3
How vast the benefits divineAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English24
I saw, and lo, a countless throngAugustus Toplady (Author)2
If on a quiet sea Toward heaven we calmly sailAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English176
If, through unruffled seasAugustus M. Toplady (Author)English2
Immovable our hope remainsAugustus Toplady (Author)English2
Immovable our hope remainsAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Inspirer and hearer of prayerA. M. Toplady (Author)English121
Iŋyaŋ Ohiŋniyaŋ kiŋAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Dakota1
Jeso, VatolampinayA. M. Toplady (Author)Malagasy2
Jesus, at Thy commandToplady (Author)English17
Jesus, God of love, attendAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)4
Jesus, hail, enthroned in gloryA. M. Toplady (Alterer)English1
Jesus, immutably the sameAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English29
Jesus is our great salvationToplady (Author)English2
Jesus, pro me perforatusAugustus Toplady (Author)3
Jesus, Savior, to Thy sideAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English1
Jesus, the sinner's rest Thou artAugustus M. Toplady (Author)English12
Klippa, du som brast för migAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)Swedish13
Klippe, du, som brast for migA. M. Toplady (Author)Norwegian2
കൃപ മ-നോഹരം ചെവി-ക്കിമ്പസ്വരം (Kr̥pa ma-nēāharaṁ cevi-kkimpasvaraṁ)Augustus Toplady (Author)Malayalam2
Kuwapi ye, Jesus Christ edAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Dakota1
Let party names no moreToplady (Author)English3
Let the world their virtue boastToplady (Author)English1
Let Thy cross my will controlAugustus M. Toplady (Author)English2
Let us chant melodious hymnsAugustus Toplady (Author)1
Light of those whose dreary dwellingToplady (Author)English13
Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing, Fill our hearts with joy and peaceToplady (Author)English8
Lord, I feel a carnal mindRev. A. M. Toplady (Author)10
Lord, it is not life to live, If thy presence thou denyAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English22
Low at thy feet, O Christ, we fallAugustus Toplady (Author)1
මට විවර ගල (Maṭa vivara gala)Augustus Toplady (Author)Sinhala2
Mwamba wangu wa kaleAugustus Toplady (Author)Swahili2
Mwamba wenye imaraAugustus Toplady (Author)Swahili2
No more at Mary wonderToplady (Author)English2
Not for the works which we have doneAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Not to myself I owe that I, O Lord, am ThineToplady (Author)English6
Now may the Spirit's holy fireToplady (Author)English1
O Bato a sibibiagAugustus Toplady (Author)Tagalog2
O for one celestial ray Toplady (Author)6
O God of love, with cheering rayAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)5
O Lord, my best desires fulfillA. M. Toplady (Author)English1
O might this worthless heart of mineAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
O precious blood, O glorious deathAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English10
O Savior! Thy word I believeAugustus Toplady (Author)English1
O Thou that hearest prayer, Attend our humble cryA. M. Toplady (Author)English1
O Thou, that hearest the prayer of faithAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English131
O thou. who didst thy glory leaveToplady (Author)English16
O when wilt thou my Savior beAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)6
Ob Trübsal uns kränkt und Kummer uns drücktAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)German5
Object of my first desireAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English24
O that my heart was right with theeA. M. Toplady (Author)English24
പിളര്‍ന്നോരു പാറയേ! നിന്നില്‍ ഞാന്‍ മറയട്ടേAugustus Toplady (Author)Malayalam2
Praise the Lord, who reigns above, And keeps his courts belowRev. Augustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English2
Prepare me gracious God Augustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English39
Redeemer, whither should I fleeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English5
Rejoice ye saints, in every stateToplady (Author)English1
Rejoicing now in glorious hopeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)3
Roc seculaire, frappe pour moiAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)French2
Roca de eternidad, sé mi faro de verdadAugustus Toplady (Author)Spanish2
Roca de la eternidad, Fuiste abierta para miA. M. Toplady (Author)Spanish30
Roca de los siglos, túA. M. Toplady (Author)Spanish2
Rocha eterna, foi na cruzAugustus Montaque Toplady (Author)Portuguese3
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in TheeToplady (Author)English2368
Rock of ages, truth divine, By Thy strength forever mineA. M. Toplady (Author)English7
Save us in thy great compassionAugustus Toplady (Author)2
Savior, I Thy word believeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English21
Savior, Whom I fain would loveAugustus Toplady (Author)English7
Servant of the living GodAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Si hoy, sobre quieto marAugustus Toplady (Author)Spanish2
Sinner, come up with meAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Skala vekov, Jezu mojAugustus Toplady (Author)2
Skało zbawcza, otwórz się!Augustus Montagne Toplady (Author)Polish3
Soldier of the living GodAugustus Toplady (Author)2
Source and Giver of reposeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)4
Source of light and power divineAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)3
Supreme High Priest, the pilgrim's lightAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)6
Surely Christ thy griefs hath borneAugustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) (Author)English35
Sweet to look back, and see my nameAugustus Toplady (Author)English3
Sweet to look inward, and attendA. M. Toplady (Author)English2
Sweet to reflect, how grace divineRev. Augustus M. Toplady (Author)English5
Sweet to rejoice in lively hopeToplady (Author)23
The people of his choiceAugustus Toplady (Author)2
The spotless Savior lived for meAugustus Toplady (Author)2
Thee, Father, we bless, Whose distinguishing grace Toplady (Author)English9
There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Emmanuel's veinsA. M. Toplady (Author)English2
There is a song that the world is singingA. M. Toplady (Author)3
This God is the God we adoreAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English2
Thou Fountain of bliss, thy smile I entreatToplady (Author)4
Thou, O my God, thou only artToplady (Author)1
Thou whom chiefest I desireA. M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English3
Though in a foreign land, we are not far from homeAugustus Toplady (Author)English8
Thrice comfortable hopeToplady (Author)English1
Thy ministering spirits descendAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)2
Thy purchased people, gracious LambAugustus Toplady (Author)English1
'Tis finished! the Messiah diesToplady (Author)English1
'Tis pleasant to sing the sweet praise of our KingAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English11
'Tis sweet to rest in lively hopeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English24
Vain, delusive world, adieuToplady (Author)English1
Vo'ėstanevėstomanehe Nenotooseme'tovatsėAugustus M. Toplady (Based on)Cheyenne2
V'r en klipperift for migAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)1
Wait, till the shadows fleeAugustus Toplady (Author)English3
Wakpa waŋ wiconi miniAugustus M. Toplady (Author)Dakota1
Weary sinner, keep thine eyesAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English27
Weeping saint, no longer mournAugustus Toplady (Author)English1
Weeping soul, no longer mourn, Jesus all thy griefs hath borneA. M. Toplady (Author)English30
What, though I cannot break my chainAugustus Montague Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English4
What though my frail eyelids refuseAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English13
When bending over the brink of lifeToplady (Author)English1
When languor and disease invadeAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)English234
When we in darkness walk Toplady (Author)7
With God my friend, the radiant sunAugustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778 (Author)5
Worship honor power and blessingRev. Augustus Montague Toplady (Author)English7
Y mae'r byd a'i wag bleserauA. M. Toplady (Translator)Welsh1
Ye virgin souls, ariseToplady (Author)English2
Yet one thing we want Toplady (Author)2
永久磐石為我開,讓我藏身在你懷; (Yǒngjiǔ pánshí wéi wǒ kāi, ràng wǒ cángshēn zài nǐ huái;)Augustus M. Toplady (Author)Chinese2
Your harps, ye trembling saintsA. M. Toplady (Author)English255

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