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 England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of 
the Faith, e&.

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."

There followed the signatures of 41 of the 102 passengers, 37 of 
whom were members of the "Separatists" who were fleeing religious 
persecution in Europe. This compact established the first basis in
the new world for written laws. Half the colony failed to survive 
the first winter, but the remainder lived on and prospered.

Prepared by Gerald Murphy (The Cleveland Free-Net - aa300) 
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