O happy day, that fixed my choice

Phillip Doddridge
( 1702- 1751)

Doddrige was born in London, he refused offers that would have made him an Anglican minister, preferring rather to join a non- conformist academy in Kibworth, Leicestershire ( UK). He worked tirelessly in the Midlands area, mainly at Market Harborough and Northampton. But his health gave way and he sailed to Portugal, where he died. This hymn is probably his best known, and in keeping with our purposes we have included the hymn as Doddridge wrote it, meaning that the refrain that is so popular these days is omitted; of the hymn itself James Montgomery said:

" Blessed is the man that can take the words of this hymn and make them his own from similar experience."

LM

1.

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.

2.

   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.

3.

    It's done: the great transaction's done!
    I am the Lord's and He is mine;
    He drew me and I followed on,
    Charmed to confess the voice divine.

4.

Now rest, my long-divided heart,
    Fixed on this blissful centre, rest.
    Here have I found a nobler part;
    Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

5.

High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
    That vow renewed shall daily hear,
    Till in life's latest hour I bow
    And bless in death a bond so dear.

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