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.
Not the labor 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.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
- Augustus M. Toplady, 1775
2 comments:
I think this may be my favorite hymn. I've always sung it wrong, though. The second verse I sing "All the labor of my hands could not fulfill thy laws demands." I was surprised a few months ago to find out I'd been singing it wrong all this time - but I like it better my way. ;)
Good "thought for thought" interpretation into modern English, Sara.
I can never sing past "Simply to the cross I cling" - I get too choked up. It is one of those hymns that always makes me cry.
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