Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Words by John Fawcett, Composed by Hans G. Naegeli, Tune "Dennis"

Aug 3, 2008

Notes on the hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" written by John Fawcett, 1740, composed by Hans G. Naegeli, and arranged by Lowell Mason in 1845. Tune Name is "Dennis."

The sacred song, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" and “God Be with You Until We Meet Again" are most useful farewell hymns especially among Christians.

Hymn Writer John Fawcett

John Fawcett (1740-1817) was born of poor parents in Lidget Green, Yorkshire, England. He was converted to Christ at the age of sixteen through the ministry of George Whitefield. At twenty-six, he was ordained as a Baptist minister and accepted a call to pastor a small and impoverished congregation at Wainsgate in Northern England. After spending several years at Wainsgate where his salary was meager and his family growing, he received a call to succeed the well-known Dr. Gill to minister a large and influential Cater's Lane Baptist Church in London.

During the departure day, with the saddened parishioners gathered around the wagons, Mrs. Fawcett finally broke down and said, "John, I cannot bear to leave. I know not how to go!" "Nor can I either," said the saddened pastor. The stayed at Wainsgate and unpack their bags.

Birth of the Poem "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

During one of his sermons Fawcett shared this hymn text with his congregation. The poem was first printed in 1782 under the title "Brotherly Love," in a collection containing numerous Fawcett's poems.

Fawcett's Christian Practice

Fawcett continued his faithful ministry to these humble people at Wainsgate for more than fifty years at a salary estimated at never more than $200 a year. Soon he became well-known as an outstanding preacher and scholar. In 1777 he opened a school for young preachers. In 1793 he was invited to become principal of the Baptist Academy at Bristol, England, but he declined the offer. He wrote a number of books on various aspects of practical Christianity, some of which had a very large circulation.

Fawcett's Award and Recognition

In recognition of his ministry and accomplishments, Brown University in the United States conferred the Doctor of Divinity Degree upon him in 1811. Yet he remained with his beloved parishioners at Wainsgate until a paralytic stroke caused his death on July 25, 1817. John Fawcett's life can certainly be cited as an example of a spiritual leader who sacrificed ambition and personal gain for Christian devotion.

Composer Hans G. Naegeli and Arranger Lowell Mason

The composer of the music, Hans G. Naegeli, was born on May 26, 1773, near Zurich, Switzerland. He was a music publisher and president of the Swiss Association for the Cultivation of Music. He was known as a pioneer in the file of music education. His progressive teaching methods had much influence on Lowell Mason, often called the father of public school and church music in the U.S. The tune, "Dennis," originated in Switzerland and was later purchased by Lowell Mason while he was travelling and studying in Europe in 1837. The music first appeared in The Psaltery, edited in 1845 by Mason and George J. Webb, with the notation, "arranged from H.G. Naegeli."

Lyrics of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

Music and Lyrics Link

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