singing in worship is a modern innovation started in the nineteenth century. But,
no church of Christ during the apostolic era or any churches through the mid-
sixth century used instrumental accompaniment in hymns. Thus, instrumental
music is the modern innovation. Even patriarchs of today’s denominational
churches adamantly opposed mechanical instruments. In England, “scarcely an
instrument could be found…” during the time of the Reformation. For more, see
M.C. Kurfees’ Instrumental Music in Worship.
John Spencer Curwin (college administer in England & member of Royal
Academy of Music in London during the 1800s): “Men still living can remember
the time when organs were seldom found out of the church of England. The
Methodists and Baptists rarely had them, and they were stoutly opposed by the
Presbyterians.”
John Calvin (Presbyterian Church founder)—“Musical instruments in
celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of
incense, lighting of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law (of
Moses). The papists (Catholics) have foolishly borrowed this practice, as well as
many others, from the Jews.”
Adam Clarke—“the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are
against this (instrumental music). Those who know the church best, and what
constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that instrumental music has been
introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion…Away with such
pretentious trinkets from the worship that the Spirit requires to be done in spirit
and in truth…To no such worship are those instruments friendly” (comment on 2
Chr. 29:25). “I believe that David was NOT authorized by the Lord to introduce
that multitude of musical instruments into the Divine worship of which we read”
(comment on Amos 6:5). “I further believe that the use of such instruments of
music in the Christian Church is without the sanction and against the will of God.
They are subversive to the spirit of true devotion, and as such are
sinful…Instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor.”
John Wesley (Methodist Church founder)—“I have no objection to
instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen”
(public statement).
Charles Spurgeon (renowned Baptist preacher/author)—“What a degradation
to replace the intelligent song of the whole congregation by the theatrical design
of a choir or quartet or the blowing off of wind from bellows and pipes (ie. organ).
We might as well pray by machinery as praise by it.”
David Benedict (renowned Baptist historian; authored Fifty Years Among the
Baptists)—“Staunch old Baptists in former times would have as soon tolerated
the Pope of Rome in their pulpits as an organ in their galleries.”
God’s Word is our standard – not man’s. It is, however, interesting the
denominations that proudly defend their orchestras and bands today once had
leaders who recognized New Testament authority on the subject. We are only
authorized to use the instruments of our hearts and voices (Col. 3:16; Ep. 5:19).
Why less? Why more? (De4.2; Re22.18,19)
