Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) was an Anglican vicar in the region of Devon who was famous for being a theological opponent of John Wesley. He is best known, however, for being the author of “Rock of Ages,” “A Debtor to Mercy Alone,” and our Tuesday Hymn for this week, “How Vast the Benefits Divine.” As so many of his hymns do, this hymn speaks much of the grace of God, and reminds us again that “a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)
It is usually sung to the beautiful tune, ST. MATTTHEW C.M.D.
How vast the benefits divine which we in Christ possess!
We are redeemed from guilt and shame and called to holiness.
But not for works which we have done, or shall hereafter do,
Hath God decreed on sinful men salvation to bestow.
The glory, Lord, from first to last, is due to Thee alone;
Aught to ourselves we dare not take, or rob Thee of Thy crown.
Our glorious Surety undertook to satisfy for man,
And grace was given us in Him before the world began.
This is Thy will, that in Thy love we ever should abide;
That earth and hell should not prevail to turn Thy Word aside.
Not one of all the chosen race but shall to heav’n attain,
Partake on earth the purposed grace and then with Jesus reign.
The Rankin File 