The Extension of the Liturgical Form for the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper in the Dutch Psalm Book of Dathenus 1568

Abstract

This article focuses on a specific edition of the Dutch liturgical form for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This edition from 1568 contains an extension concerning the words of distribution and the thanksgiving. This modification was done by Dathenus himself. In terms of its origin, this specific edition fits well within the patterns in the genesis of the (Dutch) form for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper itself. The content of the extension includes an invitation, an expansion of the words of distribution, and instruction in the thanksgiving regarding communion with Christ, the eschatological perspective, and living in gratitude. Various motives played a role in this extension, both in terms of the context of its origin and its context of use. This specific text is relevant as it provides more information about the author’s working method, the influence of the London tradition, and a better understanding of later synods and editions of the psalm book.