(1) To give absolutely all their property to George Rapp and his associates.
(2) To obey the rules and regulations of the community and to work for its welfare.
(3) If they desired to withdraw from the society, not to demand any reward for labor or services.
In return, George Rapp and his associates pledged themselves:
(1) To supply the subscribers with all the necessities of life, both in health and sickness, and after death, to provide for their families.
(2) In case of withdrawal to return them the value of property contributed without interest and to give a donation in moneys to such as contributed nothing.
The original of this agreement was in German, which was the language used by the society.
George Rapp was born November 1, 1757, in Iptingen, Wurtemberg, the son of Adam Rapp, a peasant. He learned the trade of weaving. Like many of his neighbors he also engaged in wine growing.
Early in life he became deeply interested in religion. He identified himself with the Separatists of Wurtemberg, who believed that the true Christian must live a life of self-denial and that he must suffer ridicule and persecution on account of the purity of his life. They regarded the established clergy as hypocrites.
The Government interfered[interfered] with their plans for living in the manner of the early Christians with community of goods, and their religious meetings were prohibited at the instigation of the clergy. George Rapp decided to lead his congregation to America.