Exclusive Psalmody & RPW

[Mikey]

"If it is a Biblical principle that the church has no right to introduce into worship anything that lacks the warrant of God’s word, that the warrant of God’s Word is given for the singing of Spirit-inspired psalms, hymns and songs, and that there is no warrant for the introduction of uninspired hymns into God’s worship. The regulative principle means that if there is teaching on the content of sung praise in the Bible it must be regarded as sufficient for the guidance of the Church."

Baptist Churches have from the earliest days accepted hymns in worship. What are the arguments against EP?

Do you hold to RPW?

 

[Reformed]

By the way, it is always good form to source quotes. Your quote is attributed to the Rev H. M. Cartwright in an address given to the Inverness Branch of the Scottish Reformation Society on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2000.

The part of his statement that many Baptists object to is, "the warrant of God’s Word is given for the singing of Spirit-inspired psalms, hymns and songs". No one argues that the Psalter is uninspired and not useful for congregational singing. They would disagree with Cartwright's assertion that hymns must be inspired in order to be used in worship. Consider that passage that both sides cite on this topic:

Ephesians 5:15-21 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Is this passage commanding how music is to be used in worship or is Paul giving instruction on interpersonal relationships? In verse 19 Paul writes, "speaking to one another". Indeed, the entire chapter does not seem to touch on the subject of corporate worship at all. If this is true, then this oft-referenced passage is not a convincing proof-text for the Exclusive Psalmody position.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

The earliest Particular Baptist churches sang only Psalms. Benjamin Keach was an early promoter of hymns but most P.B. churches did not sing hymns until well into the 18th Century.

There are Baptist churches today that practise exclusive Psalmody. Here is one: Emmanuel Church (Salisbury) Click on 'worship' for more details.

For those who may want to know the arguments for exclusive Psalmody, read this:
Why Psalms Only – Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
Please note that I'm not supporting this, only providing details. We have a Pastor from the Free Presbyterians who comes to visit us with his family when he's on holiday. He's a very nice chap and never complains because we sing hymns.

For arguments from a Reformed Baptist perspective against E.P., try this:
Exclusive Psalmody?

 

[Covenanter]

I first encountered the "Regulative Principle" at the Puritan Conference in 1957. The church I was then at - Spring Rd Evangelical Church - was later in fellowship with Malcolm Watts of Salisbury, mentioned above.

We did try the Scottish Psalter - I bought a copy of the music edition.

What we need to be aware of is the spontaneous praise throughout the NC Scriptures - not least in Revelation. Seaton's argument, which echoes Watts', is convincing.

I've even written hymns myself, & included them in worship.

This is the first of 6 verses -
Revelation - Seven Seals

1. Revelation 4-5

Holy, holy, holy Lord-,
Praise the Lord of heaven and earth.
Jesus, Lion, stands in triumph,
Jesus, Lamb, the sacrifice.
Blessing, honour, glory, power
To the Father and the Son;
Now sealed scrolls will all be opened;
Now God's plans will be made known.

Sing it to "What a Friend we have in Jesus."

 

[Covenanter]

One problem with the Scottish Psalter is that the Psalms are forced into metre with scant regard for the sense. Thoughts spread across lines, & dubious rhymes make them unpoetical. Many have found a place in the hymnbooks. Isaac Watts was encouraged to use his poetic gifts to write Psalms & hymns.

I tend to prefer Psalm-based hymns that flow in meaning & music to the Metrical versions. And specifically praising the name of Jesus cannot be wrong.

Next verse -
2. Revelation 6, seals 1-5
Who do we see as seals are opened?
Christ triumphant on white horse.
Now are judged who then rejected
Christ the Saviour's Gospel call.
Angel horsemen ride in judgement,
War and famine, death and hell;
See the martyrs watching, praying,
There with Christ, his praises tell.