487 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
Edward Mote, 1797-1874
“A grand hymn of faith” is the characterization given by Bishop Bickersteth of this poem. Written in 1834, and printed as a leaflet, it was later included in the author’s Hymns of Praise, 1836, entitled, “The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope.” The hymn is reminiscent of the words of Paul: “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 3:11).
Edward Mote, born in London, worked as a cabinet-maker for some years but at length entered the ministry and from 1852 until his death in 1874 served the Baptist Church at Horsham, Essex.
The refrain of this hymn came into his mind one morning as he was walking up Holborn Hill on his way to work. Four stanzas were completed that day and two more were added the following Sunday.
MUSIC. SOLID ROCK. For comments on the composer of this tune, Wm. B. Bradbury, see Hymn 103.