Sounding Brass and Clanging Cymbals

by J. F. Choate and William Woodson

From introduction: Sounding Brass and Clanging Cymbals has been carefully researched for several years by two able scholars of the Restoration Movement. They have done a landmark and original study. They have documented the history of the beginning and further development of the use of instrumental music from 1827 to 1968. The significance and implications both then and now are presented. After an orderly recounting of the historical changes year by year, they show the significance of the use of instrumental music with reference to the restoration motto, unity and the loss of respect for Bible authority. Alexander Campbell , they report, never entertained the thought that instrumental music would be introduced into the church. The authors show conclusively that the church did not divide over sectional and cultural issues as is sometimes averred but rather because of the introduction of instrumental music, the missionary society and a liberal attitude toward the authority of the Bible.