Chapter 27

Municipalities


1a

In every village an Elder shall be appointed to rule, to teach, and to instruct: he shall govern the village according to the Law, and the king's commandment:

1b

To him shall the Priests of the Synagogue give heed; and if there be other Elders, they also shall give heed to him.

2a

¶ In every town shall Elders be appointed to rule, and teach, and instruct: five to a town:

2b

But if there be more than five Synagogues in the town, yet shall there be an Elder to each Synagogue, of whom one shall be Chief.

3a

¶ They shall govern the town according to the Law, and the king's commandment:

3b

They shall instruct the people in the Synagogue, everyone in his order:

3c

Unto the Chief of them shall the Priests of that town give heed; and unto everyone, in the Synagogue where he administers.

4a

¶ In every city shall Elders be appointed to rule, to teach, and to instruct, in all the Synagogues:

4b

But to the Synagogue of the judgment seat of the city, shall three be appointed judges of the court of the city:

4c

Another shall be appointed who shall be Bishop of that city;

4d

He shall be Chief of the Elders, both in that city, and in the towns and villages in its vicinity: to him shall they all give heed.

5a

¶ If there be more than one city in the province, then shall that bishop who is appointed to rule the province, administer in the chief city:

5b

He shall be an Archbishop: to him shall the other Bishops give heed.

6a

¶ But if there be no city in a province, yet shall an Elder be appointed to rule in that province:

6b

He shall be Bishop: and a court shall be appointed also, and three Elders to be Judges:

6c

They shall be appointed at that place where the king will establish his government for that province.

7a

¶ By these shall the provinces, and cities, and towns, and villages of the kingdom be governed:

7b

And officers shall be appointed to assist them in governing, as shall be necessary.

7c

The king shall establish his dominion in this order forever.