Dr. Philip Doddridge's dates (1702-51) provide us with two contiguous anniversaries.
It is the 250th anniversary of his death this year (October 26), and the tercentenary of his birth next year (June 26). But why should we hold a celebration at all?
With regard to worship, the first reason is obvious. Indeed, the hymnbooks of many denominations suggest that Doddridge's name will not be forgotten. 'Hark the glad sound' and 'O happy day' still find a place in the worship of God's people. Yet Doddridge's hymns were just a fraction of his vast literary output - and an even smaller part of his many and widely-creative activities. They were written to apply the sermon, and given out, line by line, after it had been preached.
