All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage.

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 of another, covenant and combine our selves together.

As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation.