Brethren, Let Us Join to Bless

“Brethren, Let Us Join to Bless” by John Cennick is a hymn that celebrates the unity and fellowship of believers in Christ. Written in 1743, this song reflects the spirit of early Methodist and Moravian gatherings, where Christians joined in joyful worship and mutual encouragement. Cennick, a preacher and hymn writer closely associated with John and Charles Wesley before joining the Moravians, often emphasized the warmth of Christian community and the shared joy of salvation.

The hymn begins with an invitation for brethren to unite in blessing the God of love, highlighting the beauty of spiritual harmony described in Psalm 133: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” It portrays the church as a family knit together by grace, rejoicing in one faith, one Lord, and one hope of eternal life. The verses move from thanksgiving and praise toward the anticipation of heavenly fellowship, where all redeemed souls shall meet around the throne of God.

“Brethren, Let Us Join to Bless” is rich in both doctrinal truth and emotional warmth. It points believers toward love, humility, and gratitude, urging them to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The hymn’s tone is both joyful and reverent, making it suitable for worship gatherings, fellowship meetings, and occasions of Christian unity.

John Cennick’s work reflects his deep conviction that true Christian joy flows from love for God and one another. Through simple yet powerful language, the hymn calls all believers to bless the Lord together and to look forward to the unending communion of saints in glory.