Hutterites

            The Hutterites are the Austrian branch of the Anabaptist movement of the 16^th century. They are characterized by the practice of community of goods that first began in Moravia in 1529 and was strengthened by Jacob Hutter in 1533.

            In sharp contrast to the other Anabaptist groups, the Hutterites had a unique opportunity to develop the practice of communal life in relatively peace in Moravia. Thus, the Hutterites developed a strong sense for their own history with an extensive manuscript history. This literature has made it possible for the Hutterite history and teachings to become better known than most other groups of the Anabaptist movement except the Dutch. The early Hutterites developed the new custom of writing down all sermons. Hutterian literature in print today are two Chronicles of their history, their sermons, and their hymnbook.

            In 1529, the Hutterite church in Moravia drew up a rule of life for themselves, some of the articles of which were as follows:

           FIRST, when the church assembles, we should ask God from our hearts for his grace to make his divine will known to us. When parting from one another, we should give thanks to God and intercede for all brothers and sisters of the whole Christian church.

           SECOND, as Christians we should encourage one another from our hearts to remain steadfast in the Lord. We should meet frequently, at least four or five times a week if possible.

           THIRD, when a brother or sister does wrong openly, it should be corrected openly before the church with loving admonition. If it was done in secret, it should be disciplined privately, but in accordance with God's command.

           FOURTH, every brother and sister should be fully surrendered to God and to the church, in body and soul. All gifts received from God should be held in common, according to the practice of the first apostolic church community of Christ, so the needy in the church can be supported. Acts 2:44-45; 4:3" 5:1-11.

           FIFTH, on behalf of the church, the servants chosen by the church community should look after the needs of the poor with great care.

           SIXTH, brothers and sisters should be straightforward and not superficial in their speech and behavior, either to one another or to anyone else, inside the community or outside...

           TENTH, we should be prepared for God's working a the cross every day, for we have surrendered ourselves to be disciplined by him. Everything he lays on us should be received with thanks and borne with patience; we should not be swayed or frightened by every wind that blows.