John Wesley was one of the founders of
the Methodist Church, and he used these rules for
congregational singing. I must note that he was writing in 1761, and
some of his words may seem harsh to a 21st Century listener. When he
speaks of the "songs of Satan" he is merely using a phrase contemporary
to his time to refer to non-church music... Don't read any more into it that just that, because that is what he meant.
1. Sing all. See that you join with the
congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of
weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it
up and you will find a blessing.
2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if
you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with
strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it
being heard, then when you sing the songs of Satan.
3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct
from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the
harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one
clear melodious sound.
4. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do
not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the
leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take
care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on
all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us,
and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you
sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature.
In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing,
and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but
offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the
Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds
of heaven.