Truth Magazine

By Bob Tuten

When God-fearing men of yesteryear embraced the ancient order of religious things, it would seem that nothing or no one could have hindered their purpose. One would assume only unity and peace could result from such desires among men. Yet a glance at the history of the restoration movement between 1827 and 1875 reveals that such was not the case. The bond of peace and unity of the spirit were disrupted almost before the movement was well under way. Many fine men and women who influenced thousands to forsake the sin of denominationalism for the truth of God’s Word, lived to witness a digression in another direction.

Prior to the year 1860, the innovation of the missionary society caused considerable dissension among disciples of Christ. But with the passing of time the use of instruments of music in worship took precedence over the societies and soon became the spearhead of division. And divide it did! “Division came not all at once, but gradually and surely. By 1875 the cleavage was a reality.”(1) The results of the innovation of instruments in worship stemmed from one thing: the abandonment of those attitudes toward the scriptures which motivated courage to reach out for the original pattern.

Instrumental music in Christian worship is a modern innovation, even in the Roman Catholic Church, which is the mother of all innovations. It was first introduced into that hot-bed of spiritual corruptions in the seventh century, under Pope Vitalian and it is today but a stolen idol from that sanctuary.

While the first instrument was introduced in the seventh century, there was no general adoption of it, even in corrupt Romanism, until late in the thirteenth century; which makes it a most modern innovation. Thus history pronounces: “The organ is said to have been first introduced into church music by Pope Vitalian I in 666. In 757, a great organ was sent as a present to Pepin by the Byzantine emperor, Constantine Copronymus, and placed in the church of St. Corneille at Compiegne.”(2)

Instruments were unheard of in this connection with the restoration until early in the Nineteenth Century. Reference was made to it as early as 1827 in the United States General Conference in which Barton W. Stone played a leading role. “In 1827 it passed resolutions condemning the use of the title `Reverend’ and the employment of instrumental music in public worship.”(3) There appears to have been some controversy over the question of its use as early as 1851 according to an article in the Ecclesiastical Reformer. Earl West refers to the incident by saying, “There was a brief flare-up of the issue in Kentucky as early as 1851. This affair, while it was brief, yet it was intense.”(4) Mr. West further stated that on February 22, 1851 a man who signed his name “W” wrote to J.B. Henshall, associate editor of the Ecclesiastical Reformer, the following letter: “Brother Henshall – What say you of instrumental music in our churches? Should not the Christian Church have organs or Bass Viols that the great object of Psalmody might be consummated? Would not such instruments add greatly to the solemnity of worship, and cause the hearts of the saints to be raised to a higher state of devotion while the deep toned organ would swell its notes of `awful sound’?” I think it is high time that we awaken to the importance of this church music. I hope, therefore, that you will give your views in extense, on this much neglected subject.”(5)

Through the columns of the Ecclesiastical Reformer of March 15, 1851, Henshall replied by saying:

In proportion as men become worldly minded, provided they have not entirely lost the fear of God, do they begin to require helps to their devotion. That they could require such helps under a dark dispensation where they were rather led into the use of symbolic rites, than inwardly illuminated by God’s word and spirit, is not at all astonishing; but to say that we need them who live in the full light of the gospel privileges, and enjoy God’s mercies and providence over us, is to say that we have no gratitude in our hearts, and that we are every way unworthy of these benefits.(6)

After having read two of the articles written by Mr. “W” favoring instruments, one John Rogers wrote Alexander Campbell requesting him to speak out against it. John Rogers was a convert of Barton W. Stone and devoted to restoring New Testament Christianity. His letter to Campbell was as follows: “But my brother, a popular preacher has come out in two numbers in the Ecclesiastical Reformer in favor of instrumental music in the church and social dancing in our families.”(7)

Mr. Campbell replied to the letter in the next issue of the paper, with the exception of the question on instrumental music; he made no allusion to it. Later that year (October), however, he replied to an article signed “G” in which he expressed himself fully and clearly on the subject; his language being characteristic of the vigorous manner of his writings.(8)

Campbell’s reply appeared in the October 1851 issue of the Millennial Harbinger as follows:

The argument drawn from the Psalms in favor of instrumental music, is exceedingly apposite to the Roman Catholic, English Protestant, and Scotch Presbyterian churches, and even to the Methodist communities. Their church having all the world in them – that is, all the fleshly progeny of all the communicants, and being founded on the Jewish pattern of things – baptism being given to all born into the world of these politico-ecclesiastic communities – I wonder not, then, that an organ, a fiddle, or a Jews-harp, should be requisite to stir up their carnal hearts, and work into ecstasy their animal souls, else “hosannas languish or their tongues and their devotions die” and that all persons who have no spiritual discernment, taste or relish for their spiritual meditations, consolations and sympathies of renewed hearts, should call for such aid, is but natural. Pure water from the flintly rock has no attractions for the mere toper or wine-bibber. A little alcohol, or genuine Cognac brandy, or good old Madeira, is essential to the beverage to make it truly refreshing. So to those who have no real devotion or spirituality in them, and whose animal nature flags under the oppression of church service, I think with Mr. G., that instrumental music would be not only a desideratum, but an essential prerequisite to fire up their souls, to even animal devotion. But I presume, to all spiritually-minded Christians such aids would be as a cow bell in a concert.(9)

ENDNOTES

1. Homer Hailey, Attitudes and Consequences (Old Paths Book Club: Rosemead, California, 1952), p. 197.

2. E.C. Fuqua, “Instrumental Music in Worship is Sinful” (Fort Worth, Texas), p. 1.

3. W.E. Garrison, Religion Follows the Frontier, p. 236.

4. Earl West, The Search for the Ancient Order (Gospel Advocate Company: Nashville, Tennessee, 1949), Vol. 1, p. 309.

5. J.B. Henshall, “Instrumental Music,” Ecclesiastical Reformer, Vol. IV, No. 6 (March 15, 1851), p. 171.

6. J.B. Henshall, “Instrumental Music,” Ecclesiastical Reformer, Vol. IV, No. 6 (March 15, 1851), p. 171.

7. John Rogers, “Dancing”, Millennial Harbinger, Fourth Series, Vol. I, No. 8 (August 1851), p. 467.

8. Hailey, op. sit., p. 202

9. Alexander Campbell, “Instrumental Music,” Millennial Harbinger, Fourth Series, Vol. I., No. 10 (October, 1851), pp. 581, 582.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 47, pp. 761-762
November 29, 1979

By Earl Robertson

Emotionalism would not have crushed the powerful foes of the early Christians. They had conviction, knowledge of God’s wisdom, courage, and zeal. There was the power of lightning in their message and example. They did not try to destroy these strongholds with thunder. Sensationalism, excitement, and the waving of flags would never have done the job. Compromising truth in order to make friends with the dragon, the beast out of the sea, and the beast out of the earth would have led to failure. It was a fight unto the death of the weaker.

Today atheism, evolution, fornication, alcoholism, robbery, blasphemy, ignorance of the Bible, materialism, and denominationalism are as powerful as the ancient foes of Christ. Brave men who are well armed are needed now for the fight. Gideon’s army was cut down to three hundred men who would surround the innumerable host of the Midianites, hold up lighted torches, and stand in their places. God can win by few or by many. The strongholds of our day can be pulled to the ground if there can be found an army of faithful men who will faithfully follow and boldly proclaim the whole counsel of God regardless of the sacrifices.

The fornicators, social drinkers, lovers of the praise of men, blasphemers, materialists, and unconverted ignorant men are found among the influential church members in some places. If the ground should open and swallow all such nominal church members, the pure in heart that remain would make a smaller but more powerful army against the devil’s strongholds in our day. Emotionalism, compromise, and noise will not clean up our wicked world. Who has the whole armor of God at hand and a willingness to use it? The host of the Midianites heard the trumpets and saw the torches of Gideon’s three hundred brave men. The victory was not won by the men who were hidden in caves. If God be for us who can be against us?

Man is arbitrary in his ways and often refuses to allow the self-imposed law of God to govern his thinking and his life. Man’s complaint that the Lord’s actions toward him are not equal (that is, not just and right) is completely untrue and unrighteous. Repeatedly, Israel said, “The way of the Lord is not equal” (Ezek. 18:25). The prophet responded, “Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal” (Ezek. 18:25)? God’s ways are weighed out, or balanced and will completely accomplish both God’s divine objectives and man’s blessings.

There is no reason for man to doubt God. At no time has the Maker of man given ground for man’s wicked actions of doubt and unbelief. He is no respecter of persons and we should not, therefore, think that He should arbitrarily act in our behalf when such actions would violate His predetermined counsel. God worketh all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). Whatever disappointments we experience in life must not be attributed to God, but rather to our own miscomprehensions and misunderstandings. God did what was right!

His actions toward man in sin are equal. Man’s own sins are his problems (cf. Isa. 59:1, 2). God’s condemnation of the sinner is just and His actions to save are right (Rom. 3:25, 26). God is just and the justifier of all who believe in Jesus, says Paul. To believe in Jesus is to accept Him on the basis of His word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Jesus says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:15, 16), but many sinners loudly declare this will not work. They have heard some preacher present a concoction of error and some truth and are now willing to live in error the remaining days of their lives. The Lord’s way of salvation is equal; it will work!

Apostasies of brethren, with all the ramifications attendant thereto, abundantly restate the same human problem found among the Israelites in Ezekiel’s day. Human institutionalism supported by church of Christ to substitute or subsidize the Lord’s way is not equal – it will not work. Man can talk about his accomplishments, in his own way, but in the end proof will exist that it did not work!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 47, p. 760
November 29, 1979

By Irven Lee

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Eph. 6:17). It is the only offensive weapon given to Christians in the battle for right, but there are several other pieces of equipment needed by every soldier who is fighting a good fight. These weapons are for his own protection and strength so that he can stand against the fiery darts of the wicked one. He must have on the shield of faith and the breastplate of righteousness, and he must have his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. He should know and practice the truth. If he fights error there will be contrary reactions, so he should not be one who lives in a glass house and throws stones.

The advice to Timothy and Titus did not include any comments on posture, gestures, enunciation, grammar, or volume in speaking. It is a matter of common judgment that a speaker should give thought to these things because the effectiveness of his lessons might be hindered by his lack of skill, but it is much more important that he be an example or pattern of good behavior (1 Tim. 4:12, 16; 2 Tim. 2:21-26). There are times when people put too much emphasis on the tone of voice, the smooth flow of words, and other physical attributes, while there is very little notice given to the message. It is the truth that can make men free; it is the gospel that is the power of God to salvation; it is the word that can save the soul (John 8:31, 32; Rom. 1:16-18; James 1:21-27).

A beautiful voice may be pleasant to the ear, but the beautiful voice cannot save the soul. We should speak so as to be heard and understood, and our earnestness of soul may be indicated by our manner of speech, but pure emotionalism will not reach the intellect with knowledge, or put strength in one’s will, or supply purity in one’s life. Emotionalism may bring tears to the eyes and cause some to come to the front during an invitation song, but this approach to the work will reach the shallow soil type which will wither when the sun appears.

Preachers are to encourage or exhort, but they are to instruct, warn, reprove, and rebuke as well. Lasting results come when the whole counsel is declared with boldness. Paul reminded the elders at Ephesus of his three years’ work among them. He said, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:18-21, 26, 27).

Paul’s emotions are very evident in his preaching, but his boldness, hate for sin, love for souls, and love for God are also evident. He was fully aware of the sinfulness of sin and of the great need for repentance. He loved God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. His effort was to please God rather than men, so he had no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but he rather reproved them. The great Teacher said, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26). Stephen asked his Jewish brethren, “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” (Acts 7:52). They killed Stephen, but no pleasant answer has ever been found for his question.

We are not trying to teach brethren to be needlessly offensive or to forget kindness and wisdom. We are to be as harmless as doves and as wise as serpents (Matt. 10:16). We are to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke” as we shine as lights in a dark world. We may wisely adapt our lives to be more likely to accomplish the worthy work our Lord has assigned. Paul could say, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake” (I Cor. 9:22, 23). He used the milk of the word, and, at the proper time, he used the meat of the word.

Paul’s task was to pull down some mighty strongholds. It is amazing that the pagan gods and the Roman Empire fought the servants of God so bitterly, but the gospel is still here while the Roman Empire and the pagan gods are completely destroyed. That is possibly the most remarkable victory of recorded history. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5). The-Greek philosophers mocked, the idolaters raged, and Rome fought; but the little rock cut out of the mountain prevailed. Humble men who were armed with the gospel, for which they were willing to die, won an absolute and complete victory. No Roman ruler, pagan priest, or Greek philosopher dreamed of such defeat when the struggle began.

Emotionalism would not have crushed the powerful foes of the early Christians. They had conviction, knowledge of God’s wisdom, courage, and zeal. There was the power of lightning in their message and example. They did not,try to destroy these strongholds with thunder. Sensationalism, excitement, and the waving of flags would never have done the job. Compromising truth in order to make friends with the dragon, the beast out of the sea, and the beast out of the earth would have led to failure. It was a fight unto the death of the weaker.

Today atheism, evolution, fornication, alcoholism, robbery, blasphemy, ignorance of the Bible, materialism, and denominationalism are as powerful as the ancient foes of Christ. Brave men who are well armed are needed now for the fight. Gideon’s army was cut down to three hundred men who would surround the innumerable host of the Midianites, hold up lighted torches, and stand in their places. God can win by few or by many. The strongholds of our day can be pulled to the ground if there can be found an army of faithful men who will faithfully follow and boldly proclaim the whole counsel of God regardless of the sacrifices.

The fornicators, social drinkers, lovers of the praise of men, blasphemers, materialists, and unconverted ignorant men are found among the influential church members in some places. If the ground should open and swallow all such nominal church members, the pure in heart that remain would make a smaller but more powerful army against the devil’s strongholds in our day. Emotionalism, compromise, and noise will not clean up our wicked world. Who has the whole armor of God at hand and a willingness to use it? The host of the Midianites heard the trumpets and saw the torches of Gideon’s three hundred brave men. The victory was not won by the men who were hidden in caves. If God be for us who can be against us?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 47, pp. 759-760
November 29, 1979

By John McCort

I am at the same time saddened, sickened, and angered at a brand of journalism which has cropped up among brethren the last few years. Several “reactionary” journals and bulletins have been started which major in taking potshots at the rest of the brotherhood, especially at fellow gospel preachers. They will not come out in the open and name who they are talking about specifically so the issue can be dealt with in the open. Instead, they are content to play the part of the sniper hidden in the bushes.

I read references to alleged power combines between major journals and even Florida College. I read where editors or certain journals are trying to take over the brotherhood. These editors are constantly being assailed as brotherhood popes with evil motives. In some circles it has become fashionable to take unwarranted potshots at the “powers-that-be” (as they put it).

I recognize the danger inherent in large journals and foundations but I do not approve of the constant motive judging which has been going on. I know many of the editors personally and most of them are honest, godly, upright, and very humble Christians. It is unfair and ungodly to assail the motives of godly men without sufficient proof. Judging a man to be power hungry just because he edits a large journal or holds a lot of meetings is downright sinful. If there are men like this in the brotherhood, then name them by name then present the facts. If you do not have the facts then hush!

We all need to realize that some evangelists are going to exercise more influence than others. We need to recognize that some brethren have more ability than others. Some have more experience and have worked harder to develop their talents. Men of ability do not have to seek influence; influence seeks them. Men of ability do not seek to hold meetings; the brethren seek them. Men with good writing talents will be asked to write articles for the benefit of brethren. There might be a few that play “brotherhood politics” but I have more confidence in the good intentions and motives of brethren than to make a nearly blanket condemnation of all editors and influential preachers.

We all need to give each other the benefit of the doubt. That does not mean that we overlook sin in each others lives but it does mean that we are obligated to put a good construction on the actions and motives of others until facts force me to do otherwise. I think it is arrogant and egotistical for anyone to mount an ivory tower and pretend to be able to read the minds and motives of other preachers. I know that we are all to be constantly on guard against evil men but some have made nearly all of us evil. Let us all be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 47, p. 758
November 29, 1979