September 13, 2010

The Mayflower Compact

Hi everyone, as I have mentioned in my last post, I will be posting my favorite pieces of the new book I have just acquired. This is actually the first thing in the book, I have read quite a bit past this passage, but wanted to share it with you all. Below is the Mayflower Compact, it was signed just a few days after the early settler's arrival. Hope you all enjoy it.


THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT


In the name of God Amen! We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britian, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of the Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.
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41 Men signed this document, among them were William Bradford, Capt. Standish, William Mullins, John Carver & 37 more. If you would like me to post a list of all the names please leave a comment.

I really enjoyed reading this document. Something that you all probably noticed right off the bat, was that they are praising God, in a government document! (it was actually the first government document composed on American ground) My guess is (that nowadays) you would have a very hard time finding a legal document that even mentions the name of God anywhere in it - much less praise his name! These men were committed to honoring God in everything, and they were committed to their families well being. This is how our country got started, family men that loved God and their families with all their hearts and would do anything to protect them. Their government structure was based around honoring God, ( and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ ) which is a far cry from what our government looks like now. There are very few men in government today - who honestly represent God, Family and Country. I encourage you all to pray for the men in our government system that are making and changing laws. This country got started out with the children reading the bible in schools and memorizing verses. The laws are so different now, I wouldn't be surprised if you can get kicked out of school just for bringing a bible. I encourage you all ask your father's during your family prayer time to devote a few minutes to praying for our leaders.

May God bless and keep you all,
Abigail Prudence

2 comments:

Shelbi said...

Great post! Looks like a great book, I'll have to see if I can get it somewhere...

Anonymous said...

Neat!! :) I enjoyed reading that. Very true..it's so sad how our Country has changed. :( All we can do is pray.