Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

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  Blest Be the Tie That Binds (.midi)
  Blest Be the Tie That Binds (.mp3)
  Blest Be the Tie That Binds Bells Version (.mp3)

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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 each other's 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.

Words by: John Fawcett
Music by: Johann G. Nageli;
arr. by Lowell Mason

Story behind the hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

The hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" was written by Rev. John Fawcett in 1782, and its origin is a touching story of love, sacrifice, and community.

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Background:

• John Fawcett (1740–1817) was a Baptist pastor in Wainsgate, a small, poor, rural town in Yorkshire, England.
• He had been invited to become the pastor of a much larger and wealthier church in London, the Carter’s Lane Baptist Church.
• In 1772, after much consideration, Fawcett accepted the London offer. He and his wife packed up and prepared to leave.

The Emotional Departure:

• On the day of departure, members of his small congregation gathered to say goodbye.
• Seeing their grief and feeling deep sorrow himself, Fawcett and his wife were so moved that they unpacked their belongings and decided to stay.
• He continued to serve the Wainsgate congregation for the rest of his life.

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Shortly after deciding to stay, Fawcett wrote "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" as a reflection of the deep spiritual and emotional bond he felt with his congregation.