"What our forefathers with so much difficulty secured, do not basely
relinquish." These are the words translated from Latin that are etched on the
gravestone of William Bradford, governor of the Massachusetts Colony, co-writer
of the Mayflower Compact, inventor of the free market system, and my grandfather
13 generations removed. Bradford is often remembered for being one of the
Pilgrims who survived their first winter in the new America. He is one of the
brave men and women who endured such great hardship to help make this nation
what it is-a beacon of religious and economic freedom blessed in covenant with
God. And unto his death his gravestone warns us not to basely relinquish these
liberties.
The Mayflower Compact is a covenant with God, dedicating this land now
called the United States of America to the advancement of the Christian faith.
The Compact declares, "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 the 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 Officers, 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." With these words, 41 men agreed
to govern in submission and obedience to God.
As anyone can see, these were men and women dedicated to establishing a
land for the advancement of the Christian faith and they set themselves apart
bringing all they had and all they claimed in covenant with God. And it was not
just for their time on earth, but as what was written on Bradford's grave, the
covenant and their subsequent sacrifices were not to be relinquished. As America
embraces socialism and human secularism, let us remember that only 41 men began
a nation with their signatures. There are more of us today that are citizens of
the Kingdom of God, and we can reclaim what our forefathers with so much
difficulty secured. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, "With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible." Let us give
thanks.
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
www.dailyjot.com
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