Blest Be The Tie That Binds

Blest Be The Tie That Binds

John was just 12 years old and both parents were gone. In the 18th century that meant finding a job, so he worked as a tailor to survive. He was a good worker but a lonely child with no family.

One day he had the incredible fortune to hear a preacher by the name of George Whitfield. His preaching changed John’s life. He gave himself to Christ and determined to become a preacher.

At the age of 25, he and his wife, Mary, took a pastorate in a church in the tiny town of Wainsgate, England. The church and community were dirt poor and could barely pay him a wage. He often found his pay in the form of potatoes, and whatever else the church could come up with.

When they started a family it became clear that John and Mary would need to do something more to provide for their four kids. John was a terrific minister—well-educated, much loved, and blessed with a growing congregation. In fact, the church had built an addition to accommodate the increasing crowds.

Eventually, a prominent London church offered him a prestigious pulpit with better pay. John and Mary accepted the offer and told the church that they were leaving. They sold their furniture, loaded up their belongings, and boarded the wagon for London.

They sat in the wagon, ready to go, but John hesitated. The people whom they had cared for and ministered to for six years had all gathered to say goodbye. Tears flowed and Mary was distraught. John couldn’t make himself set the wagon in motion. He dismounted and unloaded his family. They were going to stay! This was where they belonged. This town was their family.

John ministered in Wainsgate for 54 more years, turning down other important opportunities. On the 10th anniversary of their decision to stay, he wrote a hymn that is still sung today—a hymn celebrating the love and blessedness of a close-knit family of God’s people. Here are the lyrics to John Fawcett’s hymn:

BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

1-Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

2-Before our Father’s throne,

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts, and our cares.

3-We share our mutual woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

4-When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.