166. Rock Of Ages

Rock of ages cleft for me!
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side that flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.

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 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 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.