On this day, 400 years ago on Nov 11th, 1620, over 100 men, women, and children were aboard the ship the Mayflower, getting ready to disembark the vessel at their new homeland, which would be called Plymouth (Massachusetts).
41 of those men (Pilgrims) signed what was called The Mayflower Compact, as a legal binding agreement between them, and declaring what their intentions were in the new land.
In 1802, John Quincy Adams described the agreement as “the only instance in human history of that positive, original, social compact”, and it is popularly believed to have influenced the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
We are in another moment just as historical and, some would say, just as pivotal, in our nation today. I will continue to share about the Kairos moment in history that I believe we are in as a Nation, as the days go on. Today I want to simply share this. Read it, let it sink in, the consider the significance of this day...
Words of 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 Britain, 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 in 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 Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620."
Amanda Shiflett - Prophetic Reformer