Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Mayflower Compact

For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. (Psalm 61:5)

This weekend marks the anniversary of the Mayflower Compact, drafted and signed on November 11, 1620. It marked the first time in recorded history that a group of people freely of their own volition established a covenant to create a new civil government of their own.

Signing the Mayflower Compact, 1620 by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
Signing the Mayflower Compact, 1620


Unfortunately, many Americans have forgotten it was done in the name of Christ, and its words are seldom found in textbooks or public tributes.

The Mayflower Compact says, in part:

"Having undertaken, for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and honor 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..."

Mayflower, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Mayflower, Plymouth, Massachusetts


America's greatness is due to the deep convictions of her founders, including the Pilgrims who landed on her shores for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith. Praise God for the heritage enjoyed by all who love freedom!

Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? (Thomas Jefferson)


Turning Point
by Dr. David Jeremiah
images courtesy of All Posters

11 comments:

Karen said...

It's a sad state of affairs when we've allowed God's name to be removed, isn't it. Thanks for the reminder of our heritage.

Mary said...

Though I live in Ontario, I love American history. Thank you for this interesting and informative article and your graphics are perfect.

I've entered you in the book drawing. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I am glad you enjoyed the award I made for Sharon to give to you.


Blessings,
Mary

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

In a society that goes from Halloween straight to the materialism of Christmas... how refreshing to be reminded of the vision of our founding fathers. Thanks for sharing this bit of history.

Mimi said...

Karen,
it is indeed sad that we've allowed God's name to be removed... and now we are taking God completely out of all forms of government...

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Mary,

I am fascinated by history also... thanks for your sweet comments...
and thank you for entering me in the book drawing..I love books by Francine Rivers

Mimi said...

Diane,
thanks for your comments on my posting... I enjoy the history of our country and the sacrifices that men and women had to make in order to get it established...

Anonymous said...

I always think of the beauty of our country being founded by those who strived for all in God's name. It is so sad that as a country we have let this go.

Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

Mimi said...

cynthia,
Yes it is a shame that as a country we have left God out of everything... and as a Christian nation we are a very poor example...

Hailey's Beats and Bits said...

hi mimi! you are all so lucky to enjoy your abundance in your country.

Melissa said...

Your last several posts have been very thought provoking. Especially the poem in the previous post.

It is an easy trap to fall into and even the best children of God who are given children by God fall into the trap of forgetting who we all belong to...when love is twisted it is at its most dangerous.

Mimi said...

Hailey,
thank you for reminding us here in America that we are indeed very fortunate to have all the abundance that we enjoy... we are apt to take it for granted...and we need a reminder once in a while...

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Melissa,

you are right...sometimes we think that our children will get their salvation from us as christian parents... but God has no Grandchildren... each one has to accept Him into their own heart....
thanks for your comments...

Cathy said...

Thank you for posting that, Mimi. So many people now need to read about our Christian heritage. I beleive they really and truly don't think we were founded on Christian values.