The Mayflower Compact

November 11, 1620

[This was November 21, old style calendar]

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjectsof our dread Sovereigne Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of GreatBritaine, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith,and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first colony inthe Northerne Parts of Virginia; doe, by these Presents, solemnly and mutuallyin the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselvestogether into a civill Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation,and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact,constitute, and frame, such just and equall Laws, Ordinances, Acts,Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meeteand convenient for the Generall Good of the Colonie; unto which we promise alldue Submission and Obedience.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod theeleventh of November, in the Raigne of our Sovereigne Lord, King James ofEngland, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland, thefiftie-fourth, Anno. Domini, 1620.