Let us give an extra measure of praise and thanksgiving this month to the one true God.
"Just over four centuries ago, strengthened by faith and bound by a common desire for liberty, Pilgrims sought out a place in the New World where they could worship according to their own beliefs." They sold all they had and, departing initially on the leaky Speedwell, eventually made the perilous trip successfully aboard the Mayflower. Before disembarking the vessel, those who were believers in Jesus Christ sat down with those on the ship called “strangers” to pen the first written form of government in what would later become the United States of America.
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.
-The Mayflower Compact 1620
These Puritan Separatists had escaped England and King James I. They then traveled to the Netherlands and, in short order, became persecuted for their “radical” beliefs. Returning to England, they fled Plymouth on 16 September 1620 and landed in the New World on 21 November.
We complain when the pew is uncomfortable, the pastor gets too “preachy,” or the air conditioning doesn’t work. Many of these travelers gave their lives in an effort to worship biblically.
Let us give an extra measure of praise and thanksgiving this month to the one true God. He is the believer’s perfect Savior, the provider of breath and bread, and the only one worthy of our gratitude and thanksgiving.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
-Timothy Pearce
