Introduction
Words & Music: Tullius C. O’Kane (🔊 pdf nwc). The words first appeared in the Sunday School Journal in 1871. It is unclear if O’Kane was the original author, but he wrote the refrain and music in 1872.
Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
Matthew 7:24
Words & Music: Tullius C. O’Kane (🔊 pdf nwc). The words first appeared in the Sunday School Journal in 1871. It is unclear if O’Kane was the original author, but he wrote the refrain and music in 1872.
There stands a rock on shores of time
That rears to Heaven its head sublime.
That rock is cleft, and they are blest
Who find within this cleft a rest.
Refrain
Some build their hopes on the ever drifting sand,
Some on their fame, or their treasure, or their land;
Mine’s on a rock that forever will stand,
Jesus, the Rock of Ages.
That rock’s a cross, its arms outspread,
Celestial glory bathes its head;
To its firm base my all I bring,
And to the Rock of Ages cling.
Refrain
That rock’s a tower, whose lofty height,
Illumed with Heaven’s unclouded light,
Opes wide its gate beneath the dome
Where saints find rest with Christ at home.
Refrain