One of the great names in the history of religious music is John Wesley. He, along with nearly all Protestants of his time, fully believed the music God wanted in worship was vocal only. He often taught on the importance of Christian singing, and the following is from his own writing – some instructions of a practical nature to the church concerning her singing:
“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 are half-dead or half-asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.
3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so 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 nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing too slow.
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 here, and reward you when He cometh in the clouds of heaven.”
Source: As quoted in Old Light on New Worship – John Price, p. 243-4. The original source is The Works of John Wesley, Zondervan, 1958, Vol. 14, p. 346.
