O Happy Day -- Philip Doddridge

He was in the moment, thinking of some way to involve the listeners in his message, and so he composed some words to sum up his thoughts one Sunday. That is the most likely scenario that we could envision for one early-to-mid-18^th Century day, when Philip Doddridge first introduced “O Happy Day” to believers whom he wanted to engage in a meaningful way. The Englishman was no stranger to speaking to a crowd, nor to writing poetry that he felt compelled to share, and so this came quite naturally (or, more accurately, divinely-inspired and mortally delivered) for Doddridge. It would be interesting to know whether the words he wrote were personal -- in fact about himself -- or whether he was pondering someone else and considering what that person might be thinking. Might he also have been thinking of an ancient king, of Asa of Judah (see picture)?  

Doddridge was one of England’s notable hymnists, but he never saw in print his own works, including “O Happy Day”, produced over a two-decade period. This nonconformist minister (versus those ordained in the established Anglican church of England) was used to going against the tide, both physically and spiritually. He struggled with his health, including at birth when he was almost given up for dead. His own parents died when he was a child, and this fragile boy was raised by friends who made sure he got an education. His mind was strong, though his body might have been weak, and so this brilliant fellow ultimately served as a minister for 22 years in a London suburb while instructing others in a theological school. It’s reported (from one Osbeck source, see below) that Doddridge most often composed each of his 400 hymns to mouth to the congregation as summaries for his messages delivered during this period between 1729 and the middle of the 18^th Century. He didn’t want his own words published, apparently, so “O Happy Day” must have made its premiere orally, with the words not in print until after he’d died. Philip must have been thinking of someone’s commitment to God that day, as his words address what sounds like a wedding ceremony – a marriage between Christ and a new believer. Was he reminiscing about his own conversion or was someone else pledging him- or herself to the Lord that day? Perhaps this episode was the latter, re-inspiring Doddridge to recall the joy and wonder of this new life that ensues on such an occasion.

This time, Doddridge was probably mulling over what the people of God said to each other while in King Asa’s time (perhaps about 900 B.C.—2 Chronicles 15:15), over 2,600 years earlier. 2,600 years! It makes one ponder ‘does God’s message ever grow obsolete’? Doddridge had the same bible I can examine myself, to see the context in which these people of Judah interacted with their God, their nation’s leader, and with each other. They sought renewal, ridding their land of false gods. These were a people who’d strayed, and had felt the punishment of that lifestyle choice. Can you hear Doddridge preaching this? Whom in Philip’s own 18^th Century time would this message have pierced? Himself? One of his friends, even one of the church’s members? To someone stinging from a skewed life, a turn to the true God and the reward from a loyalty to Him would indeed be cause for rejoicing. What a day, when I stop hurting myself, and I make a vow with Him who wants to cherish me! Is there an Asa or a Philip Doddridge within earshot today? Sure! Just crack and bible’s pages, or pick up the words of this hymn…they’re still speaking.  

See all five original verses, and brief biography at 2 sites here:
 http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/h/a/ohappdad.htm
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/d/o/d/doddridge_p.htm
 
Information on the song was also obtained from the books  Amazing Grace – 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions, by Kenneth W. Osbeck, 1990, Kregel Publications; 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, 1985; The Complete Book of Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs, by William J. and Ardythe Petersen, 2006, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; and Then Sings My Soul – 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories, Robert J. Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.