Methodists have long been known as people who love their music. Charles Wesley saw to that. During his life he wrote nearly 9,000 poems, many of which were put to music. It has often been said that Methodists sang their faith. Indeed, many historians maintain that more people learned more about Methodist beliefs through Charles Wesley's poems and hymns than through John Wesley's sermons and writings.

We all have known how stubborn John Wesley could be when it came to describing in minute detail how his followers were to worship and serve God. He is known to have even suggested to his would-be wives how they should act and behave. (Not a good idea, Mr. Wesley.) John Wesley was even willing to instruct musicians as to how they should perform his and Charles' music.

In 1761 John wrote an interesting document relating to his music. It was called "Select Hymns with Tunes Annexed: Designed Chiefly for the Use of the People Called Methodists." In the preface Wesley says: "I have been endeavouring, for more than twenty years, to procure such a book as this; but in vain. Masters of music were above following any direction but their own; and I was determined, whoever should compile this would follow my direction: not mending our tunes, but setting them down, neither better nor worse than they were. At length I have prevailed."

Wesley historian Luke Tyerman was correct in noting that John Wesley - as well as Charles Wesley - was full of music. No doubt this contributed to the glorious singing of the early Methodists. With such a leader, and with their hearts full of the love of God, it is not surprising that their service of praise has become proverbial. They sang with the spirit, and with the understanding also. But they also sang exactly the way that John and Charles Wesley wrote it and the way they wanted it sung. No room in their plan for other musicians to alter their music in any way.