Doddridge, Philip (1702-1751)

Philip Doddridge -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Doddridge, Philip (1702-1751) -- from Wikipedia Article

Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated and the New Testament Proved to Be Genuine. In Three Judicious and Excellent Sermons. -- from

Description: During the 18th century, England produced some of Protestant Christianity's greatest hymnwriters, including Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and Philip Doddridge. As well as writing hundreds of hymns ('O Happy Day' perhaps the most famous), Doddridge founded a theological training school in Northampton, where he taught philosophy, theology, and biblical languages. A contemporary of Europe's Enlightenment movement, Doddridge witnessed countless once-orthodox scholars adopt popular deist philosophies. In response, he gave three sermons defending the tenets of the Christian faith, especially the supernatural ones deists promptly dismissed. The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated contains these three sermons.

Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff

Practical Discourses on Regeneration. -- from

Description: Philip Doddridge was an 18th century hymn writer, theologian, and preacher. Practical Discourses on Regeneration is a compilation of ten of his sermons on regeneration. All of the sermons were delivered to a group of young students entering the ministry. Consequently, they are immensely practical. These sermons are a welcome reminder of enriching theology. They cover all aspects of regeneration. (For example, they describe the difference between the unregenerate man and the regenerated man.) Practical Discourses on Regeneration is thus interesting both for historical and theological reasons. It is an interesting, historical window into 18th century theology, and an instructive treatise on the doctrine of regeneration.

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer

Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Illustrated in A Course of Serious and Practical Addresses Suited to Persons with a Devout -- from

Description: During the 18th century, England produced some of Protestant Christianity's greatest hymnwriters, including Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and Philip Doddridge. As well as writing hundreds of hymns ('O Happy Day' perhaps the most famous), Doddridge founded a theological training school in Northampton, where he taught philosophy, theology, and biblical languages. In The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, he observes that true Christian faith exists in hardly anyone's hearts, and he sets out to remedy this fact. Doddridge's careful and moving examination of the human heart changed the life of, for example, William Wilberforce, who would go on to campaign against the slave trade in the British Empire. Later, pastors such as Charles Spurgeon would go on to admire and draw from Doddridge's work.

Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff