constitute and frame
just and equal Laws, offices
for general good
The Mayflower Compact
Agreement between the Settlers at New Plymouth, 1620
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, &c. 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 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 do 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 11. 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.
On this Thanksgiving Day, 2024, I feel like we can give thanks for the 247 years of this country and the 403 years since the signing of the Mayflower Compact.
Thanks for years past and what for the years to come?
On the 300th anniversary of the signing of the Mayflower, then Governor of Massachusetts, Calvin Coolidge said:
But the really wonderful thing was that they had the power and strength of character to abide by it and live by it from that day to this. Some governments are better than others. But any form of government is better than anarchy, and any attempt to tear down government is an attempt to wreck civilization.
Bet you a quarter ‘Silent Cal’ never ever thought his words … any attempt to tear down government is an attempt to wreck civilization. … would end up being a warning for his country.
No Haiku For You 