Instruments of Music in the Worship.
the setting aside the order of God by adding to or taking from his appointments, even in-the smallest matters, as washing of hands. While forbearance and love should be exercised in showing them the error of the way, when the church determines to introduce a service not required by God, he who believes it wrong is compelled to refuse in any way to countenance or affiliate with the wrong. To do so is to commit a double sin. it is to sin against God and his own conscience and to encourage by example others to violate their consciences and the law of God; it is to lower the standard of regard for the authority of God.
It is generally insisted that the peace of the congregation should not be disturbed by as small a matter as the use of instruments. The test of a congregation of Christ is: It recognizes God as the only Lawgiver. It serves God alone. When it consciously changes the smallest appointment of God, it dethrones God as the only Lawmaker and ceases to he a church of God. The test of personal discipleship to God is: That in all matters in which God has given order we will do what God commands, adding nothing thereto, taking nothing therefrom, and we will forsake anything that leads us to violate this rule. To add as simple and harmless a thing as the washing the hands before eating, as religious service, destroys discipleship to Christ. (Matt. 15: 6-15.)
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5: 19.) “He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16: 10, R. V.) Our fidelity to God is tested as easily in little things as in great ones; rather, nothing is little where, God’s authority is at stake. Witness the sin of our first parents. Paul kept a good conscience in all things; so God honored him and chose him to be the great apostle to the Gentiles.
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