THAT this part of
divine worship may be more acceptable to God, as well as more profitable to
yourself and others, be careful to observe the following directions:
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 its being, heard, than when
you sung the songs of Satan.
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 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 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.
