I am an old man, and I here declare that I never knew them…
““I am an old man, and I here declare that I never knew them to be productive of any good in the worship of God, and have reason to believe that they are productive of much evil. Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instrumental music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music, and I here register my protest against all such corruption of the worship of the author of Christianity.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author condemns instrumental music in Christian worship as corrupt, valuing only vocal praise, and protests its use in churches.
In simple terms: Instrumental music is seen as harmful to worship.
Key Takeaway
Prefer vocal worship over instruments.
Themes
religion
music
worship
tradition
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
theological
controversial
When to use this quote
- church services
- religious reform
- musical liturgy
Key Concepts
iconoclasm
aesthetic purity
church doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- What role can music play in spiritual experience?
- Can instrumental music enhance worship?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all music is corrupt in worship.