"In the discussion of the question, Whether the use of instrumental music in the worship of the Church is permissible or not, it must be premised: First, that the question is not in regard to private or family worship, or to that of social gatherings which are not ecclesiastical in their nature, nor with reference to the utility or tastefulness of instrumental music, nor in relation to the abuse to which it may be liable; but, Secondly, the question is precisely, Is the use of instrumental music in the public worship of the Church justifiable? The design of this discussion is, with the help of the divine Spirit, to prove the negative." (John L. Girardeau) R.L. Dabney's review of this work is included in this edition.