The first, a religious poem set to music so that it may be sung during worship. The second, a collection of hymns printed and bound together for use in congregational and private worship. The singing of hymns has been an important part of the Methodist tradition. Charles Wesley wrote a great many hymns that reflected the theology of the Wesleyan movement.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by permission.