Rankin warns that Watts corrupts worship and shakes the foundation of faith

Context

Rankin describes his efforts to resist the introduction of Watts’s psalms in Kentucky churches. This passage comes from his account of the early stages of the controversy, before his formal trial. He explains his motivation for opposing what he saw as liturgical innovation, connecting worship practices directly to doctrinal integrity.

Extract

I zealoufly attempted to perfuade men, and boldly withftood them to their face: believing fuch an innovation, on the comely order of Chrift’s houfe, to have a direct tendency to corrupt our worfhip, and fhake the foundation of our faith. I ufed every exertion in my power, if poffible, to ftop the growing evil; but every effort proved abortive, in contending earneftly, for this article of faith delivered to the faints. Inftead of redrefs, my mother’s fons were angry, and their wrath waxed hot; and when they could find no juft ground of accufation againft me, concerning the kingdom; they watched for my private halting. Calumnies were fpread, and accufations brought againft a minifter of Chrift, without any regard to the rules of his houfe.

Significance

This passage articulates the theological logic behind exclusive psalmody: that worship practices are not adiaphora (matters of indifference) but directly connected to “the foundation of our faith.” Rankin applies the regulative principle strictly—unauthorized innovations “corrupt” worship. The passage also reveals the social dynamics of the controversy: Rankin faced anger, accusations, and calumnies from fellow ministers. His language (“my mother’s sons”) evokes biblical imagery of fraternal conflict, casting himself as a righteous sufferer. This rhetoric of persecution would become common among exclusive psalmody advocates.