We whose names are underwritten do here, solemnly, in the presence
of Jehovah incorporate ourselves into a Bodie Politick and as he
shall help, will submit our persons, lives and estates unto our Lord
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to all those
perfect and most absolute lawes of his given us in his holy word of
truth, to be guided and judged thereby. Exod. 24. 3. 4, 2 Cron.
11.3, 2 Kings, 11. 17. [William Coddington, and eighteen others.]
The 7th of the first month, 1638. We that are Freemen Incorporate of
this Bodie Politick do Elect and Constitute William Coddington,
Esquire, a Judge amongst us, and so covenant to yield all due honour
unto him according to the lawes of God, and so far as in us lyes to
maintaine the honour and privileges of his place which shall
hereafter be ratifyed according unto God, the Lord helping us so to
do.
William Aspinwall, Sec’ry.
I, William Coddington, Esquire, being called and chosen by the
Freemen Incorporate of this Bodie Politick, to be a Judge amongst
them, do covenant to do justice and Judgment impartially according
to the lawes of God, and to maintaine the Fundamentall Rights and
Privileges of this Bodie Politick, which shall hereafter be ratifyed
according unto God, the Lord helping us so to do.
On the 3d Month, 13 day, 1638. It is ordered that none shall be
received as inhabitants or Freemen to build or plant upon the Island
but such as shall be received in by the consent of the Bodye, and do
submitt to the government that is or shall be established, according
to the word of God. [1638.]
From this arrangement, the first recorded Act regarding freemen in the
Colony, a minority seceded, taking the Records with them, and drew up
the following instrument: