John Fawcett

John Fawcett Poems

John Fawcett Biography

John Fawcett (January 6, 1739–July 25, 1817) was a British-born Baptist theologian, pastor and hymn writer. . Early years Fawcett was born on January 6, 1739 in Lidget Green, Bradford. In 1762, Fawcett joined the Methodists, but three years later, he united with the Baptist Church and became pastor of Wainsgate Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England. Tie That Binds He served for seven years, despite a small income and a growing family. It seemed only practical that he move to a church that paid a larger salary. When he received a call in 1772 to the large and influential Carter's Lane Baptist Church in London he planned to accept the call. But at the last minute he changed his mind, and remained at Wainsgate where his salary was £25 pounds a year. To commemorate this event he later wrote the words to "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds", possibly his most famous hymn. In 1777 a new chapel was built for him at Hebden Bridge, and about the same time he opened a school at Breasley Hall, his place of residence. In 1793 he was invited to become President of the Baptist Academy at Bristol, but declined. In 1811 he received a Doctor of Divinity from America. Fawcette died in 1817 at the age of 77.)

The Best Poem Of John Fawcett

How Precious Is the Book Divine

How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration giv'n;
Bright as a lamp its pages shine
To guide our souls to Heav'n.

Its light descending from above,
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Saviour's boundless love,
And brings His glories near.

Refrain
Oh precious Book of light and life
Thou source of truth and love,
In Thee we view God's matchless grace,
And all His goodness prove.

Oh precious Book whose light e'er shines
With bright and cheering ray,
To guide our souls until the dawn
Of the eternal day.

It shows to man his wand'ring ways,
And where his feet have trod;
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.

O'er all the straight and narrow way
Its radiant beams are cast;
A light whose never weary ray
Grows brightest at the last.

It sweetly cheers our fainting hearts
In this dark vale of tears;
Life, light and joy it still imparts,
And quells our rising fears.

This lamp, through all the tedious night
Of life, shall guide our way,
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.

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