Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship Collected (for the most part), and Published, by Augustus Toplady, A.B. Vicar of Broad Hembury.

London: Printed for E. and C. Dilly, 1776. Full Description:

TOPLADY, Augustus. Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship. Collected (for the most part), and Published, by Augustus Toplady, A.B. Vicar of Broad Hembury. London: Printed for E. and C. Dilly, 1776.

First edition. Twelevmo (6 1/4 x 3 5/8 inches; 160 x 95 mm). [4], [1]-408 pp. With the first printing in book form of the hymn "Rock of Ages" found here on pages 308-309. We could find no copies at auction since 1952.

Contemporary full calf. Boards double-ruled in blind. Spine ruled in blind. With red calf spine label, lettered in gilt. Boards are a bit rubbed, (truncated) especially along hinges and edges. Front and back board with some scuffing. Corners bumped. Leaves with some toning. Fore-edge trimmed close, occasionally touching a few margin numbers but not text of psalms. Previous owner's signatures on endpapers. A tiny bit of underlining to title-page in old ink. Some pencil notes and underlines throughout, mainly to index. Overall very good.

"Four lines of this hymn by Augustus Toplady (1740–1778) were published in the October 1775 issue of The Gospel Magazine, near the end of an article, 'Life a Journey'. In the context of the article, these lines were part of Toplady’s assurance not to despair over sin... The hymn appeared in its full form in the March issue of The Gospel Magazine, 1776... That same year, this hymn was also included in Toplady’s Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship (London: E. & C. Dilly, 1776), with only one difference. Stanza 4, line 3 reads, 'When I soar to worlds unknown,' versus the original, 'When I soar through tracts unknown.' This version of the hymn is regarded as Toplady’s official text." (Hymnology Archive)

"'Rock of Ages' is a Christian hymn written by Augustus M. Toplady, with music by Thomas Hastings. This very personal hymn uses pronouns such as I and me rather than we and our, focusing on individual salvation. Legend says that Toplady wrote the hymn during a stormy incident in England. While traveling along the gorge in Burrington Combe, he was caught in a fierce storm and took shelter in a gap in the gorge, where he wrote the original lyrics. Some disagree on whether the event actually occurred; nevertheless, the rock is now marked with a plaque that reads: 'Rock of Ages: This rock derives its name from the well known hymn written about 1762 by the Rev A M Toplady who was inspired whilst sheltering in this cleft during a storm.'" (The Tabernacle Choir).

ESTC T138587

HBS 69368.

$4,500. (Inventory #: 69368)