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.
