Rock of Ages

Text by Augustus Montague Toplady

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About this hymn

Historical background

Augustus Toplady’s text was published in the eighteenth century and is presented with Thomas Hastings’s tune and a documented 1854 setting.

Theology & Scripture

The prayer rejects self-salvation and seeks cleansing and refuge in Christ alone.

Ps 89:26 · Deut 32:1-4 · Hab 1:12 · Jn 19:34 · 1Cor 10:4 · Heb 9:13-14

Musical background

Toplady is presented in the documented public-domain setting named by the source score. This edition contains four-part SATB harmony in Bb.

Sources & rights

Verified for United States on 2026-10-12. Public domain — source score marking

Words: Augustus Montague Toplady, 1776. Music: 'Toplady' Thomas Hastings, 1830. Setting: "Congregational Church Music with 150 Psalms and Hymns", 1854. copyright: public domain. This score is a part of the Open Hymnal Project, 2010 Revision.
Music source: "Congregational Church Music with 150 Psalms and Hymns", 1854 Hymn 188 p. 77. Note this differs somewhat from Hasting's arrangement in "Spiritual Songs for Social Worship", 1837.