Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Blest be the tie that binds 

our hearts in Christian love; 

the fellowship of kindred minds 

is like to that above. 

Before our Father's throne 

we pour our ardent prayers; 

our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 

our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 

our mutual burdens bear, 

and often for each other flows 

the sympathizing tear. 

When we are called to part, 

it gives us inward pain; 

but we shall still be joined in heart, 

and hope to meet again. 

This glorious hope revives 

our courage by the way; 

while each in expectation lives 

and waits to see the day. 

From sorrow, toil, and pain, 

and sin, we shall be free; 

and perfect love and friendship reign 

through all eternity. 

by John Fawcett, 1740-1817

Hymn Background

When John Fawcett, pastor of a small church in England, was invited to take over the pastorate at Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London, he readily agreed. His current salary was small and his family was growing.

He preached his farewell sermon and loaded up the wagons. As his parishioners stood around, his wife turned to him tearfully and declared she couldn't bear to leave the church family they had grown to love.

He confessed to feeling the same way, unloaded the wagons and determined to stay. He wrote “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” to commemorate his decision and stayed at Wainsgate Baptist Church in West Yorkshire, England the rest of his life.