Dissenting Church

O HAPPY DAY, THAT FIXED MY CHOICE

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O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Refrain
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.

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. Refrain

‘Tis 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. Refrain

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. Refrain

About the writer: Philip Doddridge, one of the most distinguished Dissenting ministers of the eighteenth century, was the youngest of 20 children. He was born in 1702 and entered the ministry at the age of 19. In 1729 he moved to Northampton where he became pastor of the Dissenting Church and also organized and conducted a theological school for young preachers. As many as 150 students studied theology with him during the 20 years he was there. His Family Expositor and Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul were translated into many languages. He died of consumption in Lisbon, Portugal in 1751. It was his custom immediately after finishing a sermon to write a hymn embodying the doctrinal and devotional sentiment of the discourse. While this unique practice gives his hymns a doctrinal unity, they are typically suitable for one subject only, not for any occasion.

Key Verses: Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death–whether young or old, man or woman. They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the LORD with trumpets blaring and horns sounding. –2 Chronicles 15:12-14

Perronet, Edward

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Edward Perronet (1726-1792), an Independent English clergyman, was the son of Vincent Perronet, vicar of Shoreham, who was a friend and supporter of the Wesleys. Edward was educated in the Church of England but became a Wesleyan preacher. In 1756 the question arose among the Methodists concerning separation from the Church of England. The Wesleys strenuously opposed this move; Perronet just as strongly favored and urged it. He later joined the Independent or Dissenting Church, where he remained until his death. He is the author of the beloved hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” His convictions helped to give a further distinction between the Methodist and Anglican churches.

Dodderidge, Philip

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Philip Dodderidge (1702-1751), one of the most distinguished Congregational ministers of the eighteenth century, was the youngest of 20 children. He entered the ministry at the age of 19. In 1729 he moved to Northampton where he became pastor of the Dissenting Church and also organized and conducted a theological school for young preachers. As many as 150 students studied theology with him during the 20 years he was there. His Family Expositor and Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul were translated into many languages. He died of consumption in Lisbon, Portugal. He trained many preachers who, in turn, had a great influence on 18th century Congregational churches.