The Forms in the Psalter

A reader asked, Could you write something about the origin and the purpose of the forms which are found in the back of our Psalter?

Their origin

The forms as we know them were established and recommended by the national Synod of Dordt in 1618-19. However, they were not composed by this Synod. The forms were developed over a period of almost one hundred years prior to the Synod of Dordt.

In the time of the Reformation, an interest was perceived in the use of forms. In 1524 Bucer at Strasbourg initiated discussions on a Reformed liturgy. In the worship services the preaching was placed in the center. The singing of the psalms by the congregation was implemented. Prior to the administration of the sacraments, the congregation was extensively instructed in the doctrines of the sacraments. There we find the origin of the forms in the Reformed worship service.

When Calvin arrived in Geneva, he there found forms drawn up by Farel for baptism, the Lord's Supper, and marriage. Later, in 1542, Calvin himself published a book of liturgy. Calvin's Geneva had great influence on the progress of the Reformation in Europe.

Petrus Datheen was also influenced by Geneva. In 1566 he provided a church book in Dutch. In addition to the psalms in verse, this book also included the Heidelberg Catechism and the forms for baptism, the Lord's Supper, and marriage. These forms are the ones which we still use in our worship services. The synod of 's Gravenhage, the Netherlands, in 1586 added the forms for the ordination of office-bearers and for discipline. Then the National Synod of Dordrecht again published the forms, and in this way they came into our Psalter.

Their purpose

The church of the Reformation saw the necessity of instruction. They therefore responded to the summons of the apostle Paul to Timothy, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). The marginal notes comment on this text that the congregation must be presented with a brief summary of sound doctrine; the church has pursued this mandate by the development of written confessional statements, but also by the writing of the forms. Time and again the congregations must be instructed in the significance of baptism, the Lord's Supper, and other matters.

By means of the forms, they sought that the church throughout the ages would confess the same truth. The forms therefore are thoroughly biblical. For example, if you want to know what the Bible says about the office of a minister, read the form for ordination. If you want to know what the Bible says are the most important matters regarding marriage, read the marriage form. There you can read about the origin and purpose of marriage. In that form we also find the biblical place of the man and the woman.

Because of their instructional nature, it is also important that the forms be read thoughtfully and reverently, and therefore it is also good to continue to listen to these old, familiar words. The Lord would have the forms used to the upbuilding of the church. That is why in some of the forms there is a request for a “Yes.” By his affirmation the person affirms the biblical instruction which is presented. His affirmation shows that the person desires to take his place in the congregation on a biblical basis.

The forms also contain much instruction for the soul. If we may experience something of this instruction, then we will love the forms. Then we will not so quickly view them as human writings which can be put aside. He who hears the voice of God's Word in them hears the voice of God. He who may hear the voice of God is glad that instruction may be provided by these forms.

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