Augustus Montague Toplady Article Index for
Augustus
Website Links For
Augustus
 

Information About

Augustus Montague Toplady




Although originally a follower of Wesley , in 1758 he adopted extreme Calvinist opinions. He was ordained in 1762 and became vicar of Harpford with Fenn-Ottery, Devon , in 1766 . In 1768 he exchanged to the living of Broadhembury, Devon.

He is chiefly known as a writer of hymns and poems, including " Rock Of Ages ", and the collections entitled ''Poems on Sacred Subjects'' (Dublin, 1759) and ''Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship'' (London, 1776). His best prose work is the ''Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England'' (London, 1774).

Some comments by Wesley upon Toplady's presentation of Calvinism led to a controversy which was carried on with much bitterness on both sides. Toplady wrote a venomous ''Letter to Mr Wesley'' (1770), and Wesley repeated his comments in ''The Consequence Proved'' (1771), whereupon Toplady replied with increased acridity in ''More Work for Mr Wesley'' (1772).

From 1775 to 1778, having obtained leave of non-residence at Broadhembury, he lived in London , and ministered at a Calvinist church in Orange Street.


REFERENCES


  • Toplady, Augustus, ''The Complete Works of Augustus Toplady'' (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 1987) ISBN 1594420785



SEE ALSO




EXTERNAL LINKS