Worship, Exclusive Psalmody, and the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion of the Westminster Standards
The title page of each of the documents contained in the Westminster Standards includes the phrase, "as a part of the covenanted uniformity in religion betwixt the churches of Christ in the kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland." This shows that the Westminster Standards, including the "Directory for Public Worship", were produced in fulfillment of the Solemn League and Covenant.
Are you aware that the "Directory for Public Worship" mandated only the singing of Psalms in public worship (as a part of the covenanted uniformity in worship)?
In fact, I defy anyone to produce one shred of evidence that the making of a separate "hymnal" (full of man-made compositions) was ever discussed at the Westminster Assembly (much less presented to parliament, as was all the work of the Assembly), or the Scottish General Assembly (from 1638-1649, or long after) -- which General Assembly ecclesiastically ratified the Westminster Standards.
The original intent of the framers of the Westminster Standards regarding worship is clearly derived from this information. It also means that ministers who have taken vows, without mental reservation, to uphold these Standards, are guilty of perjury if they practice anything other than exclusive Psalmody, even in ignorance.
There is plenty of documentation of the debates concerning translators, publication, and the civil and ecclesiastical approval of the Psalter. But there isn't any discussion regarding any effort to produce a hymnal composed of uninspired songs among this documentation.
This is truly amazing, if a human "hymnal" had indeed ever been considered (never mind ratified by the different levels of church and civil government) as in keeping with the covenanted uniformity in worship aimed at by these divines -- given the "strict regulativist" makeup of both the Westminster Assembly and the Scottish General Assembly.
Besides the psalmody issue, the Westminster Assembly members did not even mention the use of musical instruments in public worship. At that time instrumental music was not even an issue among Reformed people.
The use of organs in public worship, "along with other remains of Popery," was eliminated by the civil government of that period because it was properly informed by Scripture. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
Are you aware that the "Directory for Public Worship" mandated only the singing of Psalms in public worship (as a part of the covenanted uniformity in worship)?
In fact, I defy anyone to produce one shred of evidence that the making of a separate "hymnal" (full of man-made compositions) was ever discussed at the Westminster Assembly (much less presented to parliament, as was all the work of the Assembly), or the Scottish General Assembly (from 1638-1649, or long after) -- which General Assembly ecclesiastically ratified the Westminster Standards.
The original intent of the framers of the Westminster Standards regarding worship is clearly derived from this information. It also means that ministers who have taken vows, without mental reservation, to uphold these Standards, are guilty of perjury if they practice anything other than exclusive Psalmody, even in ignorance.
There is plenty of documentation of the debates concerning translators, publication, and the civil and ecclesiastical approval of the Psalter. But there isn't any discussion regarding any effort to produce a hymnal composed of uninspired songs among this documentation.
This is truly amazing, if a human "hymnal" had indeed ever been considered (never mind ratified by the different levels of church and civil government) as in keeping with the covenanted uniformity in worship aimed at by these divines -- given the "strict regulativist" makeup of both the Westminster Assembly and the Scottish General Assembly.
Besides the psalmody issue, the Westminster Assembly members did not even mention the use of musical instruments in public worship. At that time instrumental music was not even an issue among Reformed people.
The use of organs in public worship, "along with other remains of Popery," was eliminated by the civil government of that period because it was properly informed by Scripture. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
About the Author:
For more information about Scriptural worship (following the Regulative Principle of Worship), church history and the Reformation, please visit PuritanDownloads.com. There are many Reformation theology resources at that site.