#augustustoplady

Song of the Month: March 2021

In his book, Christian Leaders of the 18th Century, J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) spends a chapter on who is perhaps my most admired hymnwriter, August Toplady, the gifted but often contentious hymn-writer/pastor who is most well-known for penning “Rock of Ages.” (His portrait occupies some wall space in my office if there’s any doubt!) I appreciated Ryle’s comments on the effect of writing good songs…

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.

The author, the Rev. Augustus M. Toplady (1740-1778) bitterly opposed the doctrines preached by the Wesleys, who lived at the same time, but his sincere Christian piety produced this great hymn, that has become endeared to many generations of Wesleyan followers.

Years ago* the steamer Seawanhaka burned at sea. One of the Fisk…