Ausbund
Ausbund (First Published 1564 – Still in Use) The Ausbund is a historic Anabaptist hymnal, first compiled around 1564, making it one of the oldest Christian songbooks still in active use, particularly among Old Order Amish communities in North America. Its origins trace to the early 1530s in Passau, Bavaria, where over 50 Swiss Brethren Anabaptists, including preacher Michael Schneider and hymnist Hans Betz, were imprisoned in the Oberhaus Castle dungeon for their radical faith—adult baptism, rejection of state churches, and pacifism. Facing torture and execution under Catholic authorities, these martyrs composed 51 hymns, smuggled out as letters to sustain their persecuted brethren. Printed initially in German, the collection grew over time, with later editions adding songs from other Anabaptist writers, reaching about 137 hymns by the 1583 edition, though its exact early publication details remain murky due to underground printing presses. The Ausbund’s significance extends beyond its music to its role as a theological and cultural artifact, embodying Anabaptist resilience and spirituality. Lacking musical notation—tunes were memorized or adapted from folk melodies—it emphasizes lyrics of suffering, martyrdom, and hope, such as Schneider’s Psalm 139-inspired hymn or Betz’s reflections on persecution. Carried by Swiss and South German Anabaptists fleeing to Moravia and later by Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, it became a cornerstone of worship, sung slowly in unison during services. Today, printed by the Amish in places like Lancaster County, it remains a living link to the Reformation era, its worn pages a testament to a faith forged in adversity, distinct from modern hymnals in its raw, unadorned devotion.
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Ausbund preaches about the fierce battle believers face against the world, the flesh, sin, the devil, and death, urging them to stand by their captain, Jesus Christ, who will help them overcome all distress and enemies. Despite facing mistreatment and persecution for their faith, believers are encouraged to stay faithful to Christ, even in the face of violence and adversity, knowing that He will avenge them and stand with His followers. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to be strong, manly, and unwavering in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate victory.
Look at Christ the Friendly Knight!
Look at Christ the friendly knight! Look at the captain! The battle, when you come to this place, is fierce. The enemies -- the world, the flesh, sin, the devil, and death -- close in around you. But leap to your captain's side! He will kill the enemies! He will help you out of all distress. Stay with your flag! Do not let them drive you back from your captain, Jesus Christ! If you want the crown and the glory, and if you want to triumph with him, you must suffer and die with him too. They caught Christ our captain and beat him. In like manner they mistreat us, his followers. The hour of distress has come upon all the earth. They hunt us out. In almost every country they try to catch us because we stand for Christ. They try to keep Christ from coming to help us, barricading all the roads until they have us. Then the strangling and the stabbing, the gruesome violence begins. But wait, our captain, he will avenge it! He will break the power of the enemy, and he will stand with his little flock! All you beloved knights of God, be strong! Be manly in the fight! This dreadful storm will not be long. Stand fast! Stand true to death! Do not allow them to drive you back. Men and women, trust in God! -- Ausbund 78
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Ausbund (First Published 1564 – Still in Use) The Ausbund is a historic Anabaptist hymnal, first compiled around 1564, making it one of the oldest Christian songbooks still in active use, particularly among Old Order Amish communities in North America. Its origins trace to the early 1530s in Passau, Bavaria, where over 50 Swiss Brethren Anabaptists, including preacher Michael Schneider and hymnist Hans Betz, were imprisoned in the Oberhaus Castle dungeon for their radical faith—adult baptism, rejection of state churches, and pacifism. Facing torture and execution under Catholic authorities, these martyrs composed 51 hymns, smuggled out as letters to sustain their persecuted brethren. Printed initially in German, the collection grew over time, with later editions adding songs from other Anabaptist writers, reaching about 137 hymns by the 1583 edition, though its exact early publication details remain murky due to underground printing presses. The Ausbund’s significance extends beyond its music to its role as a theological and cultural artifact, embodying Anabaptist resilience and spirituality. Lacking musical notation—tunes were memorized or adapted from folk melodies—it emphasizes lyrics of suffering, martyrdom, and hope, such as Schneider’s Psalm 139-inspired hymn or Betz’s reflections on persecution. Carried by Swiss and South German Anabaptists fleeing to Moravia and later by Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, it became a cornerstone of worship, sung slowly in unison during services. Today, printed by the Amish in places like Lancaster County, it remains a living link to the Reformation era, its worn pages a testament to a faith forged in adversity, distinct from modern hymnals in its raw, unadorned devotion.