The Doctrine of the Universal Priesthood of Believers and its Exemplification in Pre-Reformation and Reformation Hymnody

It is the task of this paper to trace the history and development of this universal priesthood as it is reflected in Christian hymnody and, to a certain degree, in the related liturgical materials and practices. In the pursuit of this task it has been our method, at least with respect to the hymnody, to take especial note of certain expressions and key words which express the concepts of sacrifice and priestly functions such as offer, bring, sacrifice, gift, altar, victim. Not dismissed were also such corporate expressions as we and its cognates