Hymn of the Month -- And Can it Be?

Charles Wesley

When I open my hymnal, I discover that it includes 53 hymns written by Charles Wesley, just a few of his approximately 8000 that he penned!

Howard Snyder's Great Church Earthquake!, which I posted a couple of days ago, prompted me to use a Wesley's hymns this month, even though one of his was included last month as well. I chose a video that puts us in the pew, singing along with a women's quartet as they lead the congregation in And Can it Be?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_Fz0tXCVE&feature=related

I think you'll enjoy John's directions for singing, which also were brought to my attention by Howard Snyder.

John Wesley’s Directions for Singing (1761)

John Wesley

I. Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.

II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.

III. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a single degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.

IV. Sing lustily and with 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, then when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. 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.

VI. 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 to slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

VII. 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.

From John Wesley’s Select Hymns, 1761