约翰·福西特（John Fawcett）. Explore “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”: song information and official sources.
The pilgrim journey · Unity and love
A familiar story says Fawcett wrote this hymn after accepting an invitation to a large London church. His luggage was supposedly already loaded when his congregation persuaded him to stay. Though widely repeated, the account is historically uncertain and should be received as a story. The poem stands on its own. The third stanza describes parting: separation in person with hearts still joined, an aspect fellowship songs seldom address. The second is especially valuable for making unity concrete through praying for one another and sharing sorrows. Chinese churches often sing it at the end of gatherings, farewells and commissionings. It also suits a small group's closing, particularly when someone is moving away or going abroad.
Closing gatherings, farewells, commissioning and the completion of a small group course; teaching on the communion of saints and bearing with one another.