Did You Know About Mayflower Compact?
Most Americans have probably heard about the Mayflower Compact but have you read it? Lately?
One hundred and fifty six years before our first Independence Day a group of people traveled the ocean blue to a land they knew little about. When they landed the first order of business was to write and consent to a contract they called the Mayflower Compact!
This compact is an important part of our history and heritage. For those people who claim our country was never founded on Christian principles this is a very important document.
For instance: The compact starts out, “In the name of God.” It goes on to make statements like, “for the glory of God,” “advancement of the Christian faith,” and “in the presence of God.” This is strong evidence of their Christian faith and outlook.
These pilgrims knew persecution. They had originally left England and made a home in the Netherlands. Even there their liberties were restricted. But the call of America became strong in their hearts and minds causing them to make the very risky sea trip back to England.
They had a hard time getting underway because their ship, the Speedwell, kept leaking. Eventually the concept of two ships traveling together shrunk to just one, the Mayflower. The trip is a story in itself, but suffice it to say it was dangerous for all concerned! But it is important to remember they came primarily seeking religious freedom not new financial opportunities.
More important, the Mayflower Compact is one of the founding documents of our country. The United States, in concept, began with the pilgrims. It wouldn’t be until the 18th century (1776) that the United States Constitution would be forged into the document we now have. But the idea of a people dedicated to God began with the pilgrims!
I believe the Mayflower Compact is rarely discussed today primarily because of its Christian nature. While it may not have any legal standing in the courts, it should be a definite reference point in our education. In fact it should be taught, as it once was, to our children.
One hundred and fifty six years before our first Independence Day a group of people traveled the ocean blue to a land they knew little about. When they landed the first order of business was to write and consent to a contract they called the Mayflower Compact!
This compact is an important part of our history and heritage. For those people who claim our country was never founded on Christian principles this is a very important document.
For instance: The compact starts out, “In the name of God.” It goes on to make statements like, “for the glory of God,” “advancement of the Christian faith,” and “in the presence of God.” This is strong evidence of their Christian faith and outlook.
These pilgrims knew persecution. They had originally left England and made a home in the Netherlands. Even there their liberties were restricted. But the call of America became strong in their hearts and minds causing them to make the very risky sea trip back to England.
They had a hard time getting underway because their ship, the Speedwell, kept leaking. Eventually the concept of two ships traveling together shrunk to just one, the Mayflower. The trip is a story in itself, but suffice it to say it was dangerous for all concerned! But it is important to remember they came primarily seeking religious freedom not new financial opportunities.
More important, the Mayflower Compact is one of the founding documents of our country. The United States, in concept, began with the pilgrims. It wouldn’t be until the 18th century (1776) that the United States Constitution would be forged into the document we now have. But the idea of a people dedicated to God began with the pilgrims!
I believe the Mayflower Compact is rarely discussed today primarily because of its Christian nature. While it may not have any legal standing in the courts, it should be a definite reference point in our education. In fact it should be taught, as it once was, to our children.
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