Profiles of Anabaptist Women: Sixteenth-Century Reforming Pioneers

Maria and Ursula van Beckum

Anna Jansz of Rotterdam 345 AUSBUND The 18th Hymn Another Martyr Song by a Woman Who Took her Leave in Rotterdam Together with her Son. To the tune of: "Come Here to Me, Says God's Son" 1. There usually is great joy When one begets small children From the Lord God, And instructs them in God's teaching About good customs, discipline, and honour, So that they honour their parents. 2. Annelein received permission To see her son in Rotterdam, As her death drew near. Isaiah hear my testament, My last will before my death Now comes from my mouth. 3. I am going on the path of the prophets, The martyrs' and apostles' way; There is none better. They all have drunk from the cup, Even as did Christ Himself, As I have heard it read. 4. All the priests of the King Travelled on this path alone. From the beginning they came To stand upon this road, As God's true sons and children. This I have truly understood. 5. These same children under the altar, Who are a great multitude, Are described in the Apocalypse: How they were killed and murdered And executed with the sword, Persecuted and banished. 346 Profiles of Anabaptist Women 6. They cried out to God: O Lord! Righteous and Truthful One, How long until you bring order to the earth Among people everywhere? And take revenge on only those Who with great insolence 7. Have shed blood everywhere, Murdering innocent people? Are you willing to punish them So they no longer cause dishonour, Driving your own out of the land, Continuing in their sin? 8. God gives to all [His children] a white robe, And consoles them with the answer: To them must still be added Those who will also be judged Until the number of the pious Is filled and completed. 9. The twenty­four great elders Come before God's throne And lay down their crowns, Honouring the Lamb of God, Together with all the heavenly hosts Who live under the sun. 10. All of the pious children of God Who received the baptism Sealed upon their brow Also came this way, Following the Lamb wherever it went, Serving [the Lamb] with desire. 11. Such people must enter this valley, And all drink from the bitter cup Until the number is fulfilled. Zion, the worthy bride of God, To whom the Lamb itself is betrothed, Who has calmed the wrath of God. Anna Jansz of Rotterdam 347 12. Therefore my dearly beloved son, May you wish to do my will, And follow my teaching. If you know a people who spurn every luxury And pleasure of this world, May you wish to join them. 13. They are despised and rejected By this wretched world. They must carry Christ's cross, And have no secure place Because they keep God's word. They often are hunted down. 14. God lives with such people, Who are mocked by the world. Keep company with them. They will show you the true way, Lead you away from the path of evil, Guide you away from hell. 15. Fear no one; set your life Completely on the pure teaching. Set aside your body and earthly goods. Christ bought you at a dear price, Delivered you from the eternal fire With His worthy blood. 16. May the Lord sanctify you, my son, Sanctify your conduct. May you live in the fear of God Wherever you are in this entire land. In all the work you may do, Do not resist God. 17. Share your bread with the hungry, Leave no person in need Who professes Christ. Also clothe the naked, Have pity on the sick. Do not distance yourself from them. 348 Profiles of Anabaptist Women 18. If you cannot always be with them, Show your good will. Comfort the imprisoned, Welcome guests cheerfully into your home, And don't let anyone drive them out. Then your reward will be greatest. 19. Both your hands should be ready To do the works of mercy, To give twofold offerings; This is spiritual and worldly work: To set the prisoners free, strengthen the weak; Then you will truly live. 20. For the rest of what God gives you You will be taught by the sweat of your brow By God and the prophets, To give always to God's people. May they be happy with...