THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT

On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower, carrying 102 Pilgrims in search of religious freedom, approached Cape Cod, Massachusetts, having left England 65 days earlier.

The Pilgrims had received a charter to establish a colony in Virginia, but had landed far to the north, where they had no right to settle. They agreed to sign a covenant before they landed to ensure self-government,
by which all of them would be bound.

Signed by the 41 adult males aboard, just 9 years after the publication of the King James Bible, the Mayflower Compact was the first document of self-government in America, and reflects the Christian heritage of our country.


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 England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith.
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the 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 Politick, 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 hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.




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