from Philipp Spitta, Johann Sebastian Bach, trans. C. Bell and J. A. Fuller-Maitland, III (London, 1885), 301-302.

Their worships, the Council of this town of Leipzig, having accepted me to be Cantor of the School of St. Thomas, they have required of me an agreement as to certain points, namely:

1.  That I should set a bright and good example to the boys by a sober and secluded life, attend school, diligently and faithfully instruct the boys.

2.  And bring the music in the two chief churches of this town into good repute to the best of my ability.

3.  Show all respect and obedience to their worships the Council, and defend and promote their honor and reputation to the utmost, and in all places; also, if a member of the Council requires the boys for a musical performance, unhesitatingly obey, and besides this, never allow them to travel into the country for funerals or weddings without the foreknowledge and consent of the burgomaster in office, and the governors of the school.

Give due obedience to the inspectors and governors of the school in all they command in the name of the Worshipful Council.

5.  Admit no boys into the school who have not already the elements of music or who have no aptitude for being instructed therein, nor without the knowledge and leave of the inspectors and governors.

6.  To the end that good order may prevail in those churches I should so arrange the music that it may not last too long, and also in such wise as that it may not be operatic, but incite the hearers to devotion.

8.  Supply good scholars to the New Church.

9.  Treat the boys kindly and considerately, or, if they will not obey, punish such in moderation or report them to the authority.

10.  Faithfully carry out instruction in the school and whatever else it is my duty to do.

11.  And what I am unable to teach myself I am to cause to be taught by some other competent person without cost or help from their worships the Council, or from the school.

12.  That I should follow the funeral processions with the boys, as is customary, as often as possible.

14.  And take no office under the University without the consent of their worships.

And to all this I hereby pledge myself, and faithfully to fulfill all this as is here set down, under pain of losing my place if I act against it, in witness of which I have signed this duplicate bond, and sealed it with my seal.