The two seventeenth-century essays translated and offered in this book were originally designed to help people of the Dutch Further Reformation derive the greatest benefit from celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Guilelmus Saldenus’s The Efficacy of the Lord’s Supper concentrates on the joy received in celebrating the sacrament and the sanctified living that it ought to generate. Wilhelmus à Brakel’s Edifying Discourses instructs believers in preparing their hearts for the celebration, participating in the Supper responsibly, and following up the meal in a spiritually beneficial manner. These contributions are but two examples of a much larger genre of edifying Lord’s Supper literature that developed in the Netherlands in the seventeenth century.

Series Description:
‘Classics of Reformed Spirituality Series’ offers fresh translations of key writings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, making them accessible to the twenty-first century church. These writings from the “Further Reformation” in the Netherlands offer a balance of doctrine and piety, a mingling of theology and life that has seldom been equaled in the history of Christianity. Each book in this series will provide invaluable insights into a vibrant part of the Christian heritage.

Authors:
Guilelmus Saldenus (1627–1694) and Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635–1711) were leading pastors during the middle years of the Dutch Further Reformation.

Wilhemus a Brakel (1635-1711) were leading pastors during the middle years of the Dutch Further Reformation.

Translator:
BARTEL ELSHOUT is pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and a translator of Dutch Reformed classics into English.

Editor:
James A. De Jong is Emeritus President and Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary.

Endorsements:
“In the fine translations made available here, one sees the ecumenical nature of Reformed spirituality and the close relationship between the church and true believers. The sources of the Further Reformation deserve greater recognition. The heritage of Reformed Protestantism contains hidden treasures for which we in our modern era should be grateful and of which we could make use with profit.” — Willem van ’t Spijker, Theological University of Apeldoorn

“I am delighted that the Dutch Reformed Translation Society is at last making this material available in the English language. It is a landmark feature of our Reformed heritage, and it is rich food for the soul in this or any other age.” — J. I. Packer, Regent College

“Many will surely welcome this new access to the Dutch authors whose strong writings put faith and certainty into generations of their fellow countrymen. By their closeness to Scripture and their concern for heart and head (heat and light), they remain of enduring value.” — Iain H. Murray, author of The Puritan Hope