William Cunningham on psalm-singing and the innovation of musical instruments

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Reformed Covenanter

Cancelled Commissioner
Singing of psalms is authorised in Scripture as a part of the public worship of God, and therefore some circumstances connected with the singing of psalms which it may be necessary, from a regard to decency and order, to regulate, may be regulated by the church; but this affords no warrant for introducing an entirely distinct or different thing, in order, it is said, to heighten the devotion by instrumental music.

It may be contended, indeed, that the introduction of instrumental music is merely a regulation of the mode of performing the unquestionable duty of singing psalms. This seems to be rather a lax use of words; and besides, experience seems to shew that the introduction of this invention of man, in place of aiding or assisting, has a powerful tendency to exclude or to put an end to the practice of singing psalms by the congregation, which God has unquestionably sanctioned and required.

For the reference, see William Cunningham on psalm-singing and the innovation of musical instruments.
 
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