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08/29/2003 Entry: ""

This is another one of my favourite hymns by Charles Wesley. It was written in the early days of the Methodist movement, and expresses the joy that comes through fellowship in Christ. The line that always "does it for me" is the first line of the second verse: He bids us build each other up. That's the line that I most want to find its way into so much of the online Christian "conversation", much of which seems determined to tear down rather than build up. Or maybe I'm just feeling sensitive this morning.

ALL praise to our redeeming Lord,Who joins us by his grace,And bids us, each to each restored,Together seek his face.

He bids us build each other up;And, gathered into one,To our high calling's glorious hopeWe hand in hand go on.

The gift which he on one bestows,We all delight to prove;The grace through every vessel flows,In purest streams of love.

Even now we think and speak the same,And cordially agree;Concentred all, through Jesu's name,In perfect harmony.

We all partake the joy of one,The common peace we feel,A peace to sensual minds unknown,A joy unspeakable.

And if our fellowship belowIn Jesus be so sweet,What heights of rapture shall we know,When round his throne we meet!