The following is a copy of the Act:--

"Whereas particular towns have many things which concern
only themselves, and the ordering of their own affairs, and
disposing of businesses in their own towns, it is therefore
ordered, that the freemen of any town, or the major part of
them, shall only have power to dispose of their own lands
and woods, with all the privileges and appurtenances of the
said towns, to grant lots, and make such orders as may
concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant
to the laws and orders here established by the General
Court; as also to lay mulcts and penalties for the breach of
these orders, and to levy and distress the same, not
exceeding the sum of twenty shillings; also to choose their
own particular officers, as constables, surveyors of the
high-ways, and the like; and because much business is like
to ensue to the constables of several towns, by reason they
are to make distress, and gather fines, therefore that every
town shall have two constables, where there is need, that so
their office may not be a burthen unto them, and they may
attend more carefully upon the discharge of their office,
for which they shall be liable to give their accounts to
this court, when they shall be called thereunto."

The reflecting student of political science will probably regard this
as the most important legislative act in our annals. Towns had existed
before, but were scarcely more than local designations, or convenient
divisions of the people and territories. This called them into being
as depositories and agents of political power in its mightiest