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Augustus Toplady
November 4, 1740 – August 11, 1778
Hymn Writer & Pastor
Wrote 'Rock of Ages' — a Calvinist poet of grace
Biography
Anglican clergyman and hymn writer best known for writing 'Rock of Ages.' A fierce Calvinist, he was a vocal opponent of John Wesley's Arminianism. Despite dying young at 38 from tuberculosis, his hymns endure as some of the most beloved in English-language worship.
Faith & Testimony
Toplady experienced a conversion at age 16 under Methodist preaching, but became a committed Calvinist. 'Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee' expresses the Reformed doctrine of salvation by grace alone with poetic perfection. He was a passionate defender of the doctrines of grace.