HYMN HISTORY: The Solid Rock

Good morning....

I would like to share a hymn history with you. This particular hymn has been a blessing to Christians for 186 years and as is often the case, this hymn was written to comfort a dying saint.

There is a link & lyrics below to hear this hymn. I hope you can worship the Lord by singing this great hymn of our faith and be richly blessed!
Bob

 THE SOLID ROCK                  (1834)

Edward Mote was born in 1797, to poor, ungodly parents, in London. Edward wrote of his youth "My Sundays were spent in the streets. So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God." He further states that the school he attended did not even allow a Bible to be seen or taught. Edward was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker and when sixteen his master took him to hear preacher, John Hyatt, of Tottenham Court Chapel.  Edward was genuinely converted to Christ. 

At age fifty-five, Edward realized a life-long dream of planting a Baptist church in the village of Horsham. The church members out of gratitude offered Edward the deed to the property. He refused their offer, saying: "I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then throw me out of that." Edward ministered faithfully for 26 years until he died in 1874. 

Near death, he said: "The truths I have been preaching, I am now living upon, and they do very well to die upon." Edward was buried at his beloved church.  

A stone was placed near the pulpit stating:  "In loving memory of Mr. Edward Mote, who fell asleep in Jesus November 13th, 1874, aged 77 years. For 26 years the beloved pastor of this church, preaching Christ and Him crucified, as all the sinner can need, and all the saint should desire."

Edward had written these verses and on the way to Sunday Services he visited a dear church member who was dying. He sang these verses with the family and the words provided great comfort to all. 

Almost two centuries later, we continue singing these words of hope and assurance, our declaration that in the midst of all trials and storms, we will cling to the rock that is our Savior.

1.  My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

   Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

2.  When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

3.  His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

4.  When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.