Blest Be The Dear Uniting Love

Blest be the dear uniting love

That will not let us part;

Our bodies may far off remove,

We still are one in heart.

Joined in one spirit to our Head,

Where He appoints we go;

And still in Jesus’ footsteps tread,

And show His praise below.

O may we ever walk in Him,

And nothing know beside,

Nothing desire, nothing esteem,

But Jesus crucified!

Partakers of the Savior’s grace,

The same in mind and heart,

Nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place,

Nor life, nor death can part.

CHARLES WESLEY (1707–1788)

J. B. GOUGH, a famous nineteenth-century American orator, tells the story of how he left England when he was only twelve to come to America. His parents were poor and unable to apprentice him to learn a trade. So they sent him to America with neighbors who were emigrating there.

While in America, he strayed from his parents’ faith. Though he was able to make money, he was a spiritual pauper. But he could not forget his mother who was “poor in purse, but rich in piety.” He could not forget the Christian friends who had sung “Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love” as he left them. And he could not forget a Bible verse his mother had taught him: “He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).

“Is there salvation even for me?” Gough asked. Then he said to himself the first three words of the Bible verse: “He is able. . . .”

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:1-2