Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church

by John Lafayette Girardeau

R.L. Dabney's review of this work is included in this edition. "In the discussion of the question, Whether the use of instrumental music in the worship of the Church is permissible or not, it must be First, that the question is not in regard to private or family worship, or to that of social gatherings which are not ecclesiastical in their nature, nor with reference to the utility or tastefulness of instrumental music, nor in relation to the abuse to which it may be liable; but, Secondly, the question is precisely, Is the use of instrumental music in the public worship of the Church justifiable? The design of this discussion is, with the help of the divine Spirit, to prove the negative." John L. Girardeau

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

John Lafayette Girardeau (14 November 1825 – 23 June 1898) was a Reformed theologian and minister in the Presbyterian Church in the United States. He is notable as a Calvinist defender of libertarianism, the teaching that people have free will to choose between alternatives, and that they could have chosen differently than they actually did, rather than a determinist or compatibilist view.

He was a professor of systematic theology at Columbia Theological Seminary in South Carolina.

Reviews

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do I agree with him? No. Do I think there's holes in his argumentation? Yes. Are there any better arguments regarding this issue from those who argue against instruments in worship? None at all! This is a well-argued position from those who would simply dismiss it out of hand. If you're going to simply cite Psalm 150 as the reason why instruments are allowable in public worship, then read Girardeau and Dabney's appendix. Girardeau has strong arguments that deserve interaction by modern Presbyterians. After all, his was the majority view at Westminster, in Scotland, in Calvin's Geneva, and Spurgeon's London.
My main argument against Girardeau is the his arguing against circumstance is lacking. Granted, he spends several pages on it, but it's not enough to convince those who would allow for instruments based on circumstance. He argues that a circumstance would be a building or a time set for worship, but not instruments to aid in singing. However, his arguments turn against themselves since he argues a circumstance is necessary for the proper execution of an a element of worship. With that argument, we don't need buildings, lights, or a pew versus a chair. In other words, I'd argue that he takes it too far with his understanding of circumstance. All in all, a great book that will make you think!

[Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful treatise in defense of the catholic and Reformed practice of congregational singing without musical accompaniment.

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girardeau's work is straightforward, simple, and pretty obvious (in the best sense). It is also pretty telling that whenever instruments have been adopted in the church it has been for pragmatic not biblical reasons. Any attempt to defend the use of musical instruments has always been by necessity reverse engineered. Girardeau deals with the most common objections to his position in the last two chapters.

[Paul Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girardeau asks a great question: "How is it that such men as Breckinridge and Thornwell, in the American Presbyterian Church, were hardly cold in their graves before, in the very places where they had thundered forth their contentions for the mighty principle which demands a divine warrant for every element of doctrine, government and worship, and where they had, in obedience to that principle, utterly refused to admit instrumental music into the church, the organ pealed forth its triumphs over their views? How is this state of things to be explained?"

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly and logically written argument of why there should be NO instrumental music in the public worship of the church. Deserves careful reading on whatever side you are on with this issue.
Comprehensive in scope covering the Scriptural basis, types/shadows, historical arguments, confessional arguments, and answering objections.

[Nigel Ewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular. The chapter on Old Testament worship was particularly thought-provoking... the most in-depth study of the topic I've yet encountered. Beyond the argument about instruments, this book includes a fantastic general articulation of the RPW. Required reading for any wannabe Old Schoolers.

[Timothy Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been the most thorough and convincing argument for regulated praise. Beware all prelates, papists, and will worshippers. This book is not for you!

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree (for the most part) but for different reasons... Also think it could have been done in a less critical and less legalistic way.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding treatment of a (now) controversial subject.