Of our many beautiful hymns "Rock of Ages" is probably first favorite. It has voiced the heart's desire in countless numbers of instances. The groan of distress from the sin-convicted soul has found expression in the simple words of the sweet poetry.
Augustus Toplady, the author of the hymn, was the son of an army officer, Major Toplady. After his father's death, he went with his mother to Ireland on a visit. While there he one day found his way to a gospel meeting which was being held in a large barn. The preacher was not an educated man by any means, but he was clothed with divine earnestness. The boy of sixteen listened intently to the good news proclaimed from the scripture:
His attention was riveted. He saw his need as a sinner. He realized his distance from God. He fled for refuge to the Savior.
He was cleansed and made nigh by the precious blood of Christ. Hidden in the Rock himself, he penned the lines which have pointed the way of salvation to thousands, and have given spiritual comfort to as many others. When Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria, lay dying, his lips faintly repeated the words of the hymn. A prince was sustained by the words which flowed from the pen of a poet converted through the peasant preacher.
Did that humble servant of God, telling of the Savior's grace, ever hear of the lad's conversion in the old barn? We know not.
But "little is much if God is in it."
Well indeed is it when the sinner truly says:
"Nothing in my hands I bring."
He has nothing to give to God, but God has everything to give to us, and He can give it freely and righteously because of the cross of His dear Son. Because of it we find our refuge in that blessed "Rock of Ages"—which is Christ Himself.