Philip Doddridge (1702-1751)

Philip was born in London and became a Congregationalist minister, educator, author and hymn writer.

He was the last of Daniek Doddridge’s (died 1715) 20 children.
His mother died when he was only 8; his father died 4 years later. Downes became his guardian who squandered Philip’s inheritance. Samuel Clarke of St. Albans took him on and treated him like a son and encouraged his call to the ministry. They remained lifelong friends. ( Years later, he led Samuel’s funeral and gave this tribute To him under God I owe even myself and all my opportunities of public usefulness in the church.)

His mother, before he could read, taught him th history of the Bible from chimney tiles on of their sitting room. In his youth he was educated first by a tutor then boarded at a private school in London. In 1712 he attended Kingston-upon -Thames grammar school

With independent religious leanings in 1719 he chose, with Samuel’s support to enter the Dissenting academy at Kibworth in Leicestershire. In 1723 he was chosen by a general meeting of Nonconformist ministers to conduct the academy (1723-1751). He initiated a Youth’s Scheme

In 1729 he was invited to be the pastor of an independent congregation in Northampton. His sermons were mainly practical in character.

In the 1730s and 1740s he continued his academic and pastoral work and developed close relations with numerous early revivalists and independents, through extensive visits and correspondence. This enabled him to establish and maintain a circle of influential independent religious thinkers and writers.

He was both an author and hymnist.
The Rise and progress of Religion in the Soul was translated into 7 languages.
It is said that this work best illustrates his religious genius.
Charles Spurgeon called it *that holy book * (See Works)

He wrote over 400 hymns. Most of them were written as summaries of his sermons and to help his congregation express their response to the truths they were being taught. * O God of Bethel, by whose hand * continues to be used across the English speaking world.

In 1736 both Aberdeen universities gave him a Doctor of Divinity degree.

Phillip’s health had never been good and it finally broke down in 1751. He had sailed to Lisbon in September and he died of tuberculosis on 26th October.
He was buried in the British Cemetery in Lisbon, where his grave and tomb may still be seen.

Philip worked towards a united Nonconformist body that would have a wide appeal, retaining highly cultured elements without alienating those less educated.

By Grace he succeeded in his mission.

Source
Wikipedia