He was born in Surrey and, after the death of his father who was a soldier, he was raised by his mother. She was from Ireland. Augustus went with her when she travelled to claim some inherited land. While in Ireland he received his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Dublin. He also published a small volume of poetry in Dublin in 1759.
A legend arose, concerning the writing of his famous hymn, that Toplady wrote the words while sheltering beneath a large rock in 1763 when he was caught in a violent storm in the gorge of Burrington Combe, Somerset. Although this probably never happened, the story has become so accepted, that there is a plaque, marking the spot and naming the outcropping “Rock of Ages.”
Augustus Toplady was a staunch Calvinist, and was frequently in conflict with the evangelist John Wesley and his followers.
Rock of Ages
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 labour 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 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.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my 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.
Entry written by D.S. Martin. He is the author of six poetry collections including Angelicus (2021, Poiema/Cascade), plus three anthologies — available through Wipf & Stock. His new book The Role of the Moon, inspired by the Metaphysical Poets, is now available from Paraclete Press.
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