To the Editors of the Gospel Standard.

Messrs. Editors, If you think the following inquiry worthy your notice, you would greatly oblige the writer of these lines by a reply to the same in the Standard.
Is it consistent for instruments of music to be used in the house of God?

Near Chard, Somerset. S. D.

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Answer by John M’Kenzie and J.C. Philpot

We cannot see any sanction in the New Testament for the use of musical instruments in the worship of God. It seems to us like wearing robes, &c., falling back to the old covenant dispensation, and, in one word, Popery.

At the same time, we cannot say how far a single instrument may not be allowable, just to lead the tune where there is a deficiency in singing. But the groanings of bassoons, the squeaking of fiddles, and the thunders of violincellos, seem as much out of place in the house of prayer as the bugle trumpet, or the big drum.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” “I will sing,” (not “play the fiddle”) “with the spirit and with the understanding also.” “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (not ” fiddling “) with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16).

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart (not “with a brass band”) to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19).

(The Editors – 1846)