Honestly, of the hymns I have read so far from “The Hymns of Philip Doddridge“, this is the only text that is familiar to me. That’s not to say there aren’t good, solid texts, it just may hint to the popularity of the tunes to which they were sung. Bob Kauflin recently posted on twitter “Great music can make bad lyrics seem profound. Bad music can make great lyrics hard to hear. Music matters.” Maybe Doddridge just needed a new tune-smith.
This text takes a good look at our salvation, from our “free will” and need to make a choice in verse 1 to the actual source of that free will in verse 3, where the transaction is recognized as originating with God, as He drew us, we followed, and now confess. He is, after all, the source and perfecter of our faith.
O happy day, that fix’d 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 transactions done:
I am my Lord’s, and He is mine:
He drew me, and I follow’d on,
Charm’d to confess the voice divine.
Now rest my long-divided heart,
Fix’d on this blissful Center rest;
With ashes who would grudge to part,
When call’d on angels bread to feast?
High heav’n, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renew’d shall daily hear;
Till in life’s latest hour I bow,
And bless in death a bond so dear.
Listen to the Victory Quartet’s rendition of this song, southern gospel style.
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