The Mayflower Compact

Subsequent to the scare of Pollack Rip, contention arose onboard The Mayflower.  The only legal permission given for settlement was at the mouth of the Hudson River, yet sheer survival dictated otherwise.  Differing views and opinions caused a significant stir.  The discord, not original for the journey, once again threatened the success of the destiny of the group.  Some of the "Strangers," as the Pilgrims referred to those not of their religious congregation, had ideas of their own liberty once onshore. The Strangers made up about half of the group and were not excited about being subject to the ways of religious extremists.  

Some of the Strangers however recognized that only by working together did the group have a chance of success.  It became very apparent that an agreement as to common government must be formed in order for the settlement to survive.  

Wisely, before leaving Holland, the Pilgrims' pastor, John Robinson, had given them counsel.  He knew there would be the need to create a government NOT based upon religion.  With their need for help from others, Robinson told them they would need a "civil government," where all must agree to adhere to laws formed by elected leaders.  A successful settlement would only be established if all could find a way to live together in spite of differences.  

John Robinson's counsel must have been straight from God!  The Mayflower Compact was the first written form of government where the people were ruled by the voice of the people--each man had a voice and a vote.  It would not only guide and direct the Plymouth Colony, but later influence the vision of the Founding Fathers in the birth of a new nation, and in drawing up the United States Constitution.  The influence of The United States Constitution has since spread around the world as all but three nations have adopted written constitutions.  

Those 41 men on that early November 11th morning had no idea how far-reaching their efforts would reach.  In an effort of inspired survival they put quill to parchment and created a document that ranks among the great documents of the world.  Miraculous!

It bears repeating:

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereigne Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britaine, 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 Northerne parts of Virginia, doe by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enacte, constitute, and frame such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meete and convenient for the generall good of the Colonie unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape-Codd the 11. of November, in the year of the raigne of our sovereigne lord, King James, of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fiftie-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620. 

Sources:

Mark, Joshua J., The Loss of the Speedwell & Foundation of Democracy, 

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1637/the-loss-of-the-speedwell--foundation-of-democracy/

Oaks, Dallin H., "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution," Liahona, May 2021.

Philbrick, Nathaniel.  The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World. Puffin Books, New York.                     2008.