On this day (26th October) 1751, Rev. Philip Doddridge died of tuberculosis. His famous book ‘The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul’ led William Wilberforce and others to Christ. He authored over four hundred poems and hymns, including “O Happy Day.” These generally were summaries of his sermons intended to help his congregation. The original name Doddridge gave to “O Happy Day” was “Rejoicing in our Covenant Engagement with God.”

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.

‘Tis done– the great transaction's done;
I am my Lord's, and He is mine;
He drew me and I followed on,
Rejoicing in the call divine.

Now rest, my long divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Here have I found a nobler part,
Here heav'nly pleasures fill my breast.

High heav'n that hears 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.