The Regulative Principle states that God alone determines the manner in which sinners are to approach him. More specifically, this work by the Scotsman James Begg applies the Regulative Principle and much scriptural proof to demonstrate that the use of musical instruments in the worship of God¿s church in these latter days is, as Begg states, ¿indefensible.¿ Begg begins his work quoting John Calvin who says, ¿In Popery they employed organs and many other such ludicrous things, by which the Word and worship of God are exceedingly profaned.¿ Begg continues this sentiment throughout the entire work which is a powerful argument against most of contemporary worship that is seen each Sunday in modern churches ¿ even those that ¿say¿ they stand on the Bible and the Westminster Confession.Chapters in this work include: The Scriptural Principle Which Regulates Christian Worship; The Inconsistent Use of Musical Instruments in the House of God Under the New Testament; The Impact of Art on Religion; Dancing in Worship; The Westminster Divines on the Greek term ¿psalmos,¿ and much more!

The Regulative Principle states that God alone determines the manner in which sinners are to approach him. More specifically, this work by the Scotsman James Begg applies the Regulative Principle and much scriptural proof to demonstrate that the use of musical instruments in the worship of God’s church in these latter days is, as Begg states, “indefensible.” Begg begins his work quoting John Calvin who says, “In Popery they employed organs and many other such ludicrous things, by which the Word and worship of God are exceedingly profaned.” Begg continues this sentiment throughout the entire work which is a powerful argument against most of contemporary worship that is seen each Sunday in modern churches – even those that “say” they stand on the Bible and the 1647 Westminster Confession. Chapters in this work include: The Scriptural Principle Which Regulates Christian Worship; The Inconsistent Use of Musical Instruments in the House of God Under the New Testament; The Impact of Art on Religion; Dancing in Worship; The Westminster Divines on the Greek term “psalmos,” and much more!

From John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth,” Charnock explains the nature of God as it relates to true, spiritual worship. He shows how God is a Spirit, and what it means that we are to worship God in spirit and truth. His main doctrine from the text is that worship due to God ought to be spiritual, and spiritually performed by his people in truth and righteousness. Worship is nothing else but a rendering to God the honor that is due to him. Charnock shows that the nature of God and the prescription of his will alone (only found in the Scriptures) informs us what kind of worship is to be presented to him. The pillars on which the worship of God stands cannot be discerned without divine revelation. Worship depends on the scriptural directions God prescribes as the sovereign Lawgiver. True worship, then, must be conformed to the rule and pattern of God's will and pleasure, revealed in his holy word. It must have truth for its substance, and spirit for its manner, otherwise, it is not worship with which the Father will be pleased. Charnock warns that lukewarm and indifferent services to God in worship stink in the nostrils of God. To give God only an external form of worship without its life, is taking his name in vain. We mock him when we do not mind what we are speaking to him, or what he is speaking to us in worship. Annexed to this work is, "A Short and Full Vindication of that Sweet and Comfortable Ordinance of Singing of Psalms," by Jonathan Clapham (1611-1676). This is a powerful biblical treatment of psalmody in a short tract. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

Wilson uses John 4:24 to explain in detail how Christ instituted worship in a simple manner, in spirit and truth. He will show, with all the power and effect of a biblical sledgehammer, that anything outside of what Christ has instituted should be considered idolatry, and should be cast out of the church. Wilson covers what worship is, what it means to worship God in both spirit and truth, and how this is the Christian’s duty to do so. He gives various cautions against false worship, or worshiping God as an idolater, the application of worshipping in spirit and truth, as well as obstacles that often hinder Christians when they should be worshipping God in such a holy and simple manner. In opposition to such God-centered worship, he says that carnal men with carnal minds cannot, and do not, worship God as God prescribes. God would have us to stand in a close union to him in worship, and with one another, so he would also have us to stand at the utmost distance from idolaters. It is not for us to set down ways of worship, but to observe the way that God, in his word, has already set down on our behalf. Wilson pushes the professing Christian to comply with what God has set down and instructed in his word. Worship is not about taste or preference. It is about bowing to Christ and kissing the Son, rendering to him the worship that should be answerable to his being and glory, lest he becomes angry and we perish in the way. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

This volume is an important consolidation of John Owen’s most choice sections on glorifying Jesus Christ in Evangelical worship found in his writings. It is the only volume of its kind outside of his extensively written corpus. Worship is the life of the Christian, and must be understood according to the principles God has prescribed for us in his word. Is there any topic that cries out with more significance in our contemporary culture than understanding the foundations of biblical worship? This book begins with Owen’s exegesis of Ephesians 2:18, “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” There are five main sections to this work covering: true spiritual worship before the giving of the Law, the nature of Evangelical worship, the beauty of Evangelical worship, the importance of exercising true faith during Evangelical worship, and that Evangelical worship is solely prescribed by God’s divine appointment. The work is introduced by a chapter written by Dr. McMahon on Owen’s view of exclusive psalmody; a summary complied throughout all his writings. Also annexed to this volume is the rare puritan work by Edward Hutchins called, “Scripture Proof for Singing Hymns and Spiritual Songs.” Hutchins was a minister at the end of the 17th century, who gave an astounding demonstration of Scriptural prowess outlining and explaining the prophetic nature of the Psalms, and the New Testament ordinance of exclusive psalm singing. This work has never been published before since Hutchins’ day, and is one of the most impressive and concise works of this kind ever written with such biblical skill and insight; a Scriptural tour de force not to be missed. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.