We don't often hear this hymn by Philip Doddridge, but the words are a blessing to my heart and it lifts my spirit to remember that blessed and happy day when I met Jesus! I also enjoyed learning a little about the author, and trust his story will be a blessing to you today!
"Eighteen of Monica Doddridge's nineteen children died in infancy. When number twenty arrived on June 26, 1702, he, too, appeared stillborn. But while being laid aside, he cried out. Monica determined then and there to raise Philip for the Lord. As a young child, he sat on her knees at the fireplace where Monica taught her son the lessons of scripture.
He was later orphaned, and though he longed to be a minister, he was destitute. There seemed no way to afford the necessary education. Philip set apart a day for earnest prayer. While he was praying, the postman arrived with a letter from a wealthy benefactor offering to finance his training. It was such a timely answer that Philip resolved henceforth to live a life of prayer, and he trained himself to pray without ceasing, even while getting washed and dressed in the morning.
At age 27, Philip was asked to become the head of a seminary for ministerial students in Northampton, England. His health was frail, and he didn't think he was well enough for the new responsibilities; but while passing a house, he overheard a child reading Deuteronomy 33:25: "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." He took it as from God and accepted the call.
The reputation of Northampton Academy radiated through England, and students flocked there, in part, because of Philip's chapel sermons and his powerful prayer life. For 22 years, Philip trained students. By age 48, however, he was exhausted. Consumption struck his lungs, and he passed away on October 26, 1751. Today Philip is best remembered for his book, "The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul", and for his collection of nearly 400 hymns which was published after his death in 1755, and included "O Happy Day"!
"O happy day that fixed my choice on Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice, and tell its raptures all abroad.
O happy bond that seals my vows to Him who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house, while to that sacred shrine I move.
Tis done, the great transaction's done; I am my Lord's and He is mine.
He drew me and I followed on, charmed to confess the voice divine.
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day.
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away"!
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