The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-11
MUSIC In CHURCH.
GiSt of the Document Discussed aud Adopted
by the Opponents of Instrumental Music.

PITTsBURG, Nov. l0.-The sessions of the Ma
tional Convention of United Presbyterians, op-
posed to instrumental music in churches, to-
day, were devoted to the discussion and adoption
of lengthy declaration prepared by the com
mittee on resolutions. The document is forci-
BILE one, and sets forth in detail the most formid
able arguments in opposition to the use of the
organ in the churches. A discussion followed
the reading of the paper and the resolutions &C
companying it, In which many of the ministers
took energetic part 1t was. claimed by all,
however, that they should stand by the first
principles, regardless of the wishes of others
God alone it was argued was Lord Of the con-
science and its dictates should be obeyed regard
less of men, commandments or church MAORI
ties. The paper submitted concluded as follows
I'VE hold it to be the constitutional right of any
member of the church to demand the exclusion of in
struments from the public worship of the church, but
that CLAIM we are Wiling to waive IT our brethren viii
unite with in accordance tn the spirit and intent
of the act of the assembly of 1885 in the removal
practicable for the sake of peace and for con-
science sake this stumbling block and cause of oense
from the worship of God But the right itself and
our liberty under the constitution of the church
dare not and cannot for the sake of peace ren
quish; therefore,
Resolved First that it is right and privilege as
members OF the United Presbyterian Church, to be
left free from all necessity obligation of any sort
whatever to praise God otherwise than by the simple
singing of psalms. with grace in the heart"
Second-Believing instrumental music in connec.
ton wit h the worship of God to be without the au-
thorty of Divine appointment, under the New Tesla
ment dispensation, and therefore corruption of
that worship it is our duty to refuse in any way to
countenance or support its USE and we hereby
SCI all brethren to stand firm and not defle or
wound their conscience by any compliance with that
which is contrary to conscience in regard to which
conscience is not clear
Third-That we appeal to our brethren who con
stitute for the present. the prevailing party in the
church. to stand by their agreement entered into in
the Assembly of 1885, and to carry out the pledge
implied therein and that with view of securing
unity and cooperation in this matter, hereby in
wife them to brotherly conference and suggest the
appointment of committee to meet at such time
and place as may be agreed upon, and.as soon as
practicable.
Fourth-That in the meantime assured of the JUS
tce of commit both it and ourselves to
Him who judges righteousness and we want our
brethren to exhibit patience and forbearance under
the present trial. since seek only liberty worship
God as Jesus Christ, only Lord, has Commanded,
who will be attentive to the prayers OF Ayservants
that desire 20 hear His name and will, i'm His
time appear for them, and set before them open
door which no man can shut
When the convention met in the evening, Rev.
DR.. w. Fl. French was called upon to deliver an
address which he had prepared upon the Basis
of Church Union"
FollowlnS the address, a committee of confer
ence. consisting of seven clergymen and four
laymen, were appointed
The committee on resolutions then presented
an additional report and plan OF organization
for those United Presbyterians opposed to in
strumental music. The additional resolutions
declare that, as the General Assembly deliber-
ately set aside and annuled the church doctrine
with regard to the of instrumental music
in the church of God, they solemnly
agree to endeavor TO secure a revival of that
discipline which Christ has appointed as so es-
sential means of preserving the purity of doc
trine and practice in the church; that they will
endeavor to secure faithful administration of
the discipline of the church in it's application,
without fear or favor, to every known and per-
sistent vlolator of it: that they will stand by
another in the use of all proper means to accom-
plish their ends. The plan of organization pro-
vides for the formation of a permanent associa-
ton, to be known the United Presby terrain
Association of America the object being to main
tain and promote purity in doctrine and sim
plicity in worship in the United Presbyterian
Church. The members Of the association shall
be the members of the United Presbyterian
Church in sympathy with the objects of the as
ISOLATION, and meetings shall be held annually
at time and place fixed by the association
Immediately upon the reading of the above
report adjournment was had. To.morrows ses-
sion promises to bring forth much lively discus
sion.