The hymn "Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above" is one of the most beloved and enduring works of **Charles Wesley** (1707-1788), the co-founder of Methodism and one of history's most prolific hymn writers. Here's a breakdown of its history: 1. **Author and Date:** * **Author:** Charles Wesley * **Date:** It was first published in 1749 in the collection *Hymns and Sacred Poems*, Volume II, compiled by Charles and John Wesley. 2. **Original Context and Theme:** * **Theological Foundation:** The hymn beautifully expresses the theological concept of the **Communion of Saints**. This doctrine, central to Christian belief, affirms that all believers, whether living ("the Church militant here on earth") or dead ("the Church triumphant in heaven"), are part of one body in Christ and are united in fellowship. * **Purpose:** Wesley wrote this hymn to provide comfort, hope, and a sense of continuity to believers facing loss and contemplating their own mortality. It encourages them to look beyond the immediate sorrow of death to the joyful prospect of heavenly reunion with those who have gone before. * **Initial Structure:** The hymn originally contained many stanzas (often 8 or more), exploring various facets of Christian pilgrimage, the struggle against sin, and the ultimate victory in Christ. 3. **Content and Message:** The opening stanza immediately sets the tone: > Come, let us join our friends above > Who have obtained the prize, > And on the eagle wings of love > To joys celestial rise. The hymn goes on to: * Celebrate the unity of the Church, both visible and invisible. * Remind believers that death does not break the spiritual bond between Christians. * Anticipate the day when all believers will be reunited in God's presence. * Provide assurance that those who have died in faith are now in glory. 4. **Impact and Legacy:** * **Popularity:** "Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above" quickly became one of Wesley's most popular hymns, especially within the burgeoning Methodist movement. Its powerful message resonated deeply with people facing hardship, illness, and the high mortality rates of the 18th century. * **Funeral Hymn:** It has become a quintessential hymn for **funerals and memorial services** in many denominations, particularly Methodist and Anglican traditions. It offers solace by transforming grief into hope and remembrance into joyful anticipation. * **All Saints' Day:** It is also a very common hymn for **All Saints' Day** (November 1st), a Christian festival commemorating all the saints, known and unknown, living and dead. * **Musical Settings:** The hymn is frequently sung to several well-known tunes, including: * **"Salvation"** (also known as "Amsterdam" or "New Amsterdam") * **"St. Michael"** * **"Birmingham"** * **Abbreviation:** Due to its original length, it is very common for hymnals today to include only a selection of its stanzas, typically 4 to 6, focusing on the core themes of unity and heavenly hope. In summary, "Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above" stands as a monumental hymn from Charles Wesley, written in 1749. It is a profound expression of the Communion of Saints, offering comfort, unity, and hope to generations of Christians, particularly at times of loss and remembrance. Its message of unbroken fellowship between heaven and earth continues to resonate powerfully today.