¶ The Abridgement of god's Statutes in mitre, set out by William Samuel servant to the Duke of Somerset his grace.  
Imprinted at London by Robert Crowley for Robert Soughton dwelling at the sign of the bishops mitre within Ludgate. Anno Domini. M. DL. I   

¶ To the most honourable and virtuous Lady Anne, Duchess of Somerset her Grace, William Samuel her most humble and faithful servant, wisheth the favour of God, increase of honour, long life, and prosperous health, both of body and soul.  
WHen I considered with myself the lobours & pains that have been taken of divers builders in Christ'S church (my gracious Lady and mistress) I thought myself not borne into the earth, to be a looker on the bildinge, or to island gaping at other means diligence, but to put to my helping hand, for fear lest that I should be rewarded among the idle persons, or have that small talon taken from me, that my master gave me, for not putting it to the change bank. I have now but begun, as it were the squaring out of a great stone & do offer up unto your grace the beginning of my work, and If I shall perceive that my simple doings, shall be well accepted, of your grace (as the gross doing of the same may be an occasion to the contrary) then shall I gladly go on or proceed in my doing, at the least wise exercise, shall I doubt not but make every part better than the other at their forth coming▪ My mind is that I would have my country people able in a small some to sing the hole contents of the bible, & where as in times past the musicians or mynstrells, were wont to sing feigned miracles, saints lives, & Robin hood, in stead thereof to sing, undoutyd truths, canonical scriptures, and God's doings ● have also begun the same order that I intent to keep as where a book hath thirty, forty, or fythtye chapters, to divide it into fits, or parts, that it shall not be to tedious to the reader, singer, or hearer, to have the book in practice. Also this my doings I trust shall cause the scriptures, to be often read, as the man that heareth a part of a story in the scriptures, & doth not know the hole: this may move the hole to be red, And to those that be well seen in the holy wittings, this shall keep them in remembrance of those good things that they have learned The abrygement of God's acts or statutes I do call it because it is a sum or short rehearsal of things done at large in the Bible book, which may be called the king of all kings acts, desiring your grace to take it in good worth and to accept my good will as I trust your grace will.   

Genesis In G. Ex. L.N. and D. the .v. books of Moses contained be.  

The first Chapter  
almighty God did make the heaven,  
the Light the firmament:  
The sun, the moan, the stars the beasts,  
with fowls to fleeing bent.  
The earth the sea and all therein  
all this his word did make  
With man made last and yet set first  
his will on them to take   

The ii Chap  
¶ Begin did then the lord to rest  
from making of such things  
And pointed Adam to a place  
a garden full of springs  
One tree denied, and man doth name  
the beasts after his will  
In sleep to him his make was made  
which did his mind fulfil   

The ·iiis, Chapt.  
Caused was man by Satan's sleight  
gods will to burst out right  
The he, the she, and the serpent  
are cursed and driven out quite  
for fere lest man should then despair  
With his wife and to hell  
the woman's seed the which was christ  
Shall come and make all well   

The four Chap  
Down fell Abel Cain him slew  
in offering to the Lord  
The just was slain of the unjust  
as scripture doth record  
Then is he cursed and doth despair  
after his wicked deed  
The genealogy of Adam's sons  
and their sons doth proceed.   

The .v. Chap  
Every year that Adam lived  
is there full plainly told  
Whose age was then ix hundred  
And Just thirty year old  
and so from him unto just Noah  
The chapter doth exprese  
the names & years how long they lived  
With much of their success   

The vi Chapped  
Full wicked were the people though  
a doude was threat of god  
With a precept to make an ark  
Even as the lord had bode  
And then did No prepare the ship  
after the lords devise  
And ready priest as he was wylld  
against the flood should rise   

The vii chap  
God spoke these words to Noah his man  
and we thereto must hark  
Go thou and all thy family  
with speed into the ark  
Even so did No as god him bad  
and took of each kind twain  
His wife his son & all their wives  
and then began the rain.   

The viii Chapped  
Honderyd days and ode thirty  
the flood began to end  
A raven and eke a dove also  
Noah forth for news did send  
Then went No forth, and did offer  
to God burnt sacrifice,  
Which liked well the God on high  
when the smell did arise.   

The ix Chapter  
In favour than was Noah & blessed  
and murder is denied,  
A rainbow sent, and promise made  
with water not destroyed.  
Then Noah fell drunk, and lay unhyld  
and Ham his son was glad,  
The other held him, and were blessed  
but Ham his cursing had.   

The, x. Chapter,  
Know ye may of No his sons,  
as Sem, Ham, and japheth,  
Chus Hams son, begat Nemrod  
a hunter on the heath,  
Of these three sons & their sons sons  
the earth was stored again,  
In tongues & kinds which realms & lands  
but most of them were vain.   

The xi Chapter.  
lewdly went this rout to build  
Babel that great high tower,  
The lord came down & changed their tongues  
in less space than an hour,  
The kind of Sem again is told  
unto just Abraham  
Which went with Lot his father's son,  
and dwelled at Haran.   

The xii Chapter.  
Much favour God showed to Abram  
dwelling in Canaan,  
Which god him height, them came a dearth  
to Egypt went he than.  
Then willed he Sarai his wife  
to call him brother tho.  
The King her took and was plagued,  
whose name height then Pharaoh.   

The xiii Chapter.  
Neighbourlyke yode Lot and he,  
and toward the south they went  
Then parted they their land & good  
that God had to them lente.  
The promise then to Abram is  
repeated once again,  
That he and his seed after him  
the blessed land should obtain.   

The xiiii Chapter  
Of foreign kings Lot taken was  
which ward and won that land,  
But than Abram did them destroy,  
and took him from their hand.  
Melchisedech with bread and wine  
him met with mickle boast,  
He gave him tenth, and paid the king  
of Sodom all he lost.   

The xu Chapter  
Perform would God, the land he had  
to Abram promised,  
A son to have, he doth believe  
and so is justified,  
How that his seed in bondage should  
in Egypt there re name,  
And be restored unto their land,  
and so sent home again.   

The xvi. Chapter  
Quite barren Sara thought she was  
and gave Abram her maid,  
Which did conceive, and being proud  
her mistress did umbrayde,  
Her mistress chode, and she togo  
for faring with her fell  
An angel her returned again  
and plight her Ishmael.   

The xvii Chapter  
Remove did God then abram's name  
and called him Abraham,  
And Sarai is named Sara  
of whom tho Isaac came,  
The sacrament is here begun  
of Circumcision,  
Isaac is plight, and Abraham  
for Ishmael doth moan.   

The, xviii, Chapter  
So unto him three men apeard  
like travelers of miles,  
Sara did hear that she should bear,  
and womanlike she smiles.  
The overthrow of Sodom than  
to Abraham they told,  
He prayeth to them, being one God  
his vengeance to wytholde,   

The, nineteen, Chapter  
Two angels lodged, & Sodom men  
would then have them defiled  
Blinded they were, and after stroyde  
save Lot and his unfylde,  
His wife to salt was turned tho  
for breaking god's precept,  
His daughters he begat with child  
when dronkelyke he had slept.   

The twenty Chap  
When Abraham did flit he dwelt  
in the land of Gerar,  
His wife being fair, he feared his life  
and called her sister.  
Abimeleck sent for her then  
his pleasure for to have,  
God him denied, then caused he her  
much riches for to have,   

The, xxi, Chapter  
almighty God sent Sara though  
Isaac her only son,  
And Agar is put out at doors,  
with Ishmael her son,  
An angel did her comfort though  
being in wilderness,  
About a well Abimalech  
and Abraham made peace   

The xxii. Chapter  
Being then wylld to kill his son,  
and he thereto was priest  
God told him then for his great faith  
in him all should be blessed,  
Nachor brother to Abraham  
had eight sons by Milcha  
One of her sons was Bethuel  
which was sire to Rebecca.   

The xxiii, Chapter  
Commend to god did Sara then  
her soul that was so mild,  
At her full years she fell on sleep  
and died undefiled,  
Then Abraham bought a plat of ground  
of Ephron the Hittite,  
He laid his wife into the cave  
when it was his by right.   

The xxiiii Chapter  
Decree did Abram to his man  
and swore him by an oath  
To seek a wife for Isak meet  
and so he did for troth  
He went and came with Rebecca  
which Isaac tok to wife  
So lived they together both  
and led an honest life,   

The xxv, Chapped  

eftsoons did Abram take a wife  
which bore him children more  
He died and gave Isaac his son  
his good and all his store,  
Then Isaac's wife, even at one birth  
jacob and Esau bare  
And Esau sold him land and right  
and yet small was his fare   

Thus have you hard of Genesis  
the pith and half the some  
Twenty and five in chapters passed  
sith that the first begun    

The xxvi, Chap  
A Dearth than came in isack's time  
and so he did remove  
That land was plight to him  
of god that did him love  
The king chode Isac for his wife and his  
because he did but fain  
And shepherds strove about the wells  
but all was well again   

The xxvii Chap  
Begyld did jacob Esau than  
Rebecca wrought the feat  
While Esau hunted in the field  
his brother got the cheat  
When Esau came from honting home  
it vexed him right sore  
His father cherd him yet did he  
his brother hate therefore,   

The xxviii Chap  
commanded jacob sought a wife  
and so to Laban went  
Esau did wed an Ismaelyte  
which unto evil was bend  
As jacob dreamed he thought he saw  
a ladder, angels dight  
Of christ is told, a vow he made  
unto the God of might   

The xxix Chapped  
Decree with Laban jacob did  
and served him seven year  
Rahel to have it was his fee  
but Lea did appear,  
And so beguiled, yet did he serve  
as much for Rachel more,  
He having both, a child he had  
which Lea to him bore.   

The, thirty, Chapter  
Each barren, both they gave their maids  
to their husband to wife,  
So had he children that they bore  
to him being alive.  
And jacob axte what his reward  
Should be at Laban's hand  
The spotted lambs & ●yds of goats  
that fell in Laban's land,   

The xxxi Chapped  
Flit from Laban god him bad  
and so he did obey,  
He took his wives and all his good  
and slipped so away,  
Then Rahel stolen the Images  
against her father's will  
And Laban chod, but peace was made  
with jacob on an hill.   

The xxxii Chap  
going homeward towrds his land  
to him angels apperde  
Of Esau frayed, he sent him gifts  
even hondryds on a herd  
An angel and he strove so long  
until it was day light  
The angel changyd jacobs' name  
and Israel him height   

The xxxiii Chap  
hastily Esau set him out  
his brother for to meet  
And jacob sent his herds afore  
and came after on feet  
But when they met the greyd well  
God so wrought then with them  
In parting plaits they dwelt in two  
as jacob in Sychem   

The xxxiiii Chap  
jacob had but one daughter  
that Dyna height by name  
She went to see and to be seen  
and so she came to shame  
Sychem saw her and her took  
and forced her by might  
He was destroyed by jacob sons  
and all the city quite   

The xxxv Chap  
Know did jacob all there spite  
to bethel than he yed  
His name is told and Canaan  
is to him promised  
In chylbed Rachel did departed  
and Benjamin she bore  
Reuben unhyld his father's wife  
and lost a fleece therefore   

The xxxvi Chap  
Likewise is told of Esau's wives  
and Gentylls' daughtres all  
He and jacob, were very rich  
in goods terestryall  
Esau had Dukes that were his sons  
even twelve in number Just  
He was father to Edomyts  
a flock that were unjust   

The xxxvii Chapped  
More for to here of jacobs' lyf●e  
in Canaan he dwelled  
joseph's brethren liked him not  
and cruelly they dealt  
Into Egypt then was he sold  
his brethren did the deed  
They told his sire, that he was slain  
which made his heart to bleed   

The xxxviii Chap  
Now than is told how juda took  
a woman of Canaan  
He had three sons, two were destroyed  
the one was named Onan  
Thamar was the woman's name  
that both they had to wed  
And juda by her had to twines  
when she was brought to bed   

The xxxix. Chap.  
O what hap then joseph had  
the lord did so provide  
His master's wife did him provoke  
but he her suit denied  
She him acusde, but not deserved  
her tale as then took place  
Whereby joseph, to prison went  
but guiltless in that case   

The xl, Chap  
Put in prison were Pharos men  
and both of them laid fast  
His baker chief, and butler both  
whiles his anger did last  
joseph with them in prison was  
and as they slept full sound,  
They dreamt dreams, which joseph then  
unto them did expound.   

The xli Chapter  
Question axte of Pharaos' dream  
of oxen fat and lean  
Which joseph did expound full plain  
and told what they did mean  
He was set up, and ruler made  
in Egipte over all  
He had two sons, and so the dearth  
on egypt then did fall.   

The xlii Chap  
ride out for corn did josephes' kin  
And came to him unknown,  
He threat them hard that they were spies  
into that country blown,  
Simion laid in prison is  
whiles they did home return  
Benjamin they took with them  
which made their father morn.   

The xliii Chap  
So back they went to Egypt though  
with gifts and presents great  
And Simion is delivered out,  
and joseph's cheeks are wet.  
joseph could not chose but weep  
when Benjamin he saw,  
They sat and feasted in two parts  
according to their law.   

The xliiii Chapter  
Then joseph wrougt a pretty caste  
Benjamin for to have,  
And theft he laid unto his charge  
he did him so behave,  
Then juda surety he became  
for Benjamin his sake,  
His father jacob he did know  
it heavily to take   

The xlv Chapter  
Unknowen was joseph all this while  
but then he told them all,  
That he their brother joseph was  
that ruled great and small,  
Then willed he his brethren straight  
their father for to feache  
In Egypt there to bide and dwell  
as far as it did streache   

The xlvi Chapter  
appointed forth then Israel went  
in Egypt for to bide  
And God him bade nothing to fere  
for all should well betide  
jacob his sons and all there sons  
is then in order told  
And joseph went them all to meet  
full joyful to behold   

The xlvii Chapter  
Brought was Israel afore the king  
in his presence to stand  
And Pharo wylld that he should dwell  
where fattyst was the land  
Then jacob swore joseph his son  
even underneath his thy  
His bones to lay in Canaan  
at time when he should die.   

The xlviii, Chap  
Caused was Israel sick to be  
by course of nature's kind  
And joseph went with his two sons  
To know his father's mind  
jacob did will, that joseph's sons  
Ephraim and Manasses  
Should be as children to him borne  
which joseph well did please.   

The xlix Chap  
Down fell his sons upon their knees  
even twelve by number Just  
He blessed them all, and told of things  
to come that were dyscust  
Then charged he them that they should lay  
his bones in mamrey field  
Then plucked he up his legs to him  
and up the ghost he yield,   

The l Chap  
Each thing was done, his corpse they took  
as he on live did ming  
And laid it down by abrahams side  
fulfilling so each thing  
forgive did joseph all the fault  
that his brethren had wrought  
And so he died & wylld his bones  
to his fathers to be brought   
Here have ye now the end and some of Moses his first book, The second shall in order come such pain the writer took.   


The first Chapter  
THe first Chapter of Exodus  
the twelve tribes it doth name  
Which being dead & laid in earth  
their children came to fame,  
A new king than in Egypt came  
that gave the midwives' charge  
To kill the males when they were born  
but they set them at large.   

The ii Chapter  
Moses then was borne and cast  
even down the river in reeds,  
And Pharos daughter took him up  
and showed him motherly deeds,  
Then Moses slew an Egyptian  
and fled, and took a wife  
Then cried the people to the Lord  
which saw their woeful life.   

The, iii, Chapter  
So Moses kept his father's ship  
not far from Oreb hill  
Where in a bush the Lord aperd  
and told him all his will  
And bade him go to Egypt bake  
the Esraelyts to tell  
That out of bondage they should come  
and live and do full well   

The iiii Chap  
And Moses then received signs  
of his calling by God  
His reasons all they are assoyld  
and forth the Lord him bode  
And Aaron met with him in field  
together then they went  
Of jethro Moses took his leave  
and yed where he was sent   

The v, Chap  
Aaron▪ Moses, both they twain  
told Pharo God his mind  
The more the people were oppressed  
the king was so unkind  
Then cried they out and 'gan to chide  
with Moses and Aaron  
And Moses axed God the cause  
which looked them upon.   

The vi, Chap  
He promised deliverance  
unto the Israelites,  
Also the land of Canaan  
which made them cheerful wights  
Than Rubens spring with Simion  
is told, and Levito  
Of whom came Moses and Aaron  
that had gods hests to do   

The seven Chap  
Then god made Moses Pharos god,  
and Aaron his prophet,  
And then god turned Moses rod  
into a serpent great,  
The Sorcerers did even the same  
to harded Pharos heart,  
Then were the waters turned to blood  
yet did he not convert   

The viii Chapter  
The second plague that Pharo had  
was frogs over the land  
He sent for Moses and Aaron  
to take the thing in hand,  
He mocked them, therefore the lord  
turned their dust to lisse,  
And they put by, than came there flies  
after the lords device,   

The ix, Chap  
The fift plague was murrain of beasts  
that died in Pharos land,,  
And syxtly sores with botches great  
yet did he god withstand  
The seventh was hail & thunder much  
that made the land to shake  
And lightning great from heaven on high  
which caused them all to quake.   

The x, Chap  
Yet Pharos heart was hardened  
and god he did resist  
He did it not of ignorance  
but well he knew and wist,  
The eight plague was grasshoppers  
that god almighty scent  
The ninth was darkness in the day  
they knew not where they went.   

The xi Chap  
Comandyd were the Israelyts  
the egyptians for to spoyll  
Against they should departed and go  
and give them all a foil  
At midnight then the Lord did vow  
to make so great a slaughter  
The first borne of Egypt to kill  
as it is told hereafter   

The xii Chap  
The passouer with the sweet bread  
commanded they did eat  
And If there children axe the cause  
the meaning they must treat  
The first borne then destroyed was  
and rob were the rest  
And so the hebrews took there way  
even towards the land behest   

The xiii Chap  
The first borne of the Israelyts  
the Lord did take and choose  
And commanded them an yearly feast  
among them for to use  
Then passed they the wilderness  
with joseph's bonnes also  
Two pillars for the day and night  
they had thereby to go   

The xiiii Chap  
Pharo his heart was hardened  
against the Israelyts  
So follow did he with all his train  
and came within their sights  
But God his people did defend  
by night and day from harm  
The pass the sea but Egypt men  
lay drowned in a swarm   

The xv, Chap  
When they were past this danger great  
they sang a goodly song  
A woman came forth with divers more  
and danced all along  
The bitter water was made sweat  
and pleasant for to drink  
God must be hard in his covenant  
and on him must we think   

The xvi chap  
So when the people were to months  
within the wilderness  
Then wyshyd they again to be  
in Egyp at their flesh  
It reigned quails from heaven on high  
and manna for there bred  
And forty year in wilderness  
with that they were all fed   

The xvii Chapter  
Forth as they went, they lackid drink  
and grudge than did the flock  
At Moses suit than had they some  
which came out of a rock  
Out came a king height Amelech  
against them for to fight  
When Moses' hands were holden up  
then were they put to flight   

The xviii Chap  
jethro Moses' father in law  
came Moses for to see  
Who welcomed him, his wife & sons  
after the best degree  
When jethro saw what pains he took  
when judgement he did use  
Such active men as loud not coin  
to help▪ he wylld him choose   

The nineteen Chapped  
Then as they went they came unto  
the count of Sinai  
A royal people they are called  
if Gods will they apply  
The Lord did say he that doth touch  
the hill shall die out right  
But Moses wylld went up to him  
in thunder and great light   

The xx, chapped  

And god to Moses there did give  
ten Just commandments  
Precepts to keep and guide us by  
with all their hole intents  
An altar of earth than God did bid  
his man Moses to make  
And if of stone he did it build  
no tolle thereto to take   

Twenty chapters afore are told  
in order as they stand  
The rest hereafter ye may read  
if ye will take in hand    

The xxi chapter  
THe second book of Moses then  
even Exodus by name  
Doth tell good laws for maiestrats  
to execute the same  
That masters be not over sore  
their servants for to main  
And he that kills a man, is judged  
for it he must be slain   

The xxii chapped  
Then forth again is told such laws  
of theft the forth fold paid  
He that defylles an unplyght lass  
is wylld to marry the maid  
A witch, and he, that knows, a beast  
both die they must ofright  
All usury it is forbade  
and hated in God's sight   

The xxiii chap  
These tow afore and this the next  
●one all of civil laws  
judges are wylld to take no gifts  
but here the poor man's cause,  
Thou must not follow a multitude  
wickedness to commit  
Nor have to do with foreign Gods  
though thou shulds die for it   

The xxiiii chap  
The Lord commandyd Moses then  
and all the head rulars  
To worship him, the which doth dwell  
on high above the stars  
The law was told, & the hole rout  
with voice thereto obeys  
So Moses went up to the mount  
and bode there forty days   

The xxv, Chapped  
Then God to Moses did dyscryb  
the fashion of his place  
His labernacle how to build  
in every point and case  
He promised that in that house  
with Moses he would treat  
Between the cherubs in their place  
which was his mercy seat   

The xxvi & xxvii Chapters  
The six and twenty and the next  
chapters of Exodus  
Doth still declare the form and shap  
as God did it dyscus  
How that his, holly place and house  
which was his temple though  
Should be as he had it devysde  
whereby he might it know   

The xxviii Chapter  
Also to him god did describe  
how Aaron should be clad  
Such garments might the people tell  
what office Aaron had  
A breast lap and a tunicle  
a straight cote under that  
With other things that he must wear  
whether he stood or sat   

The xxix. chap  
To Moses also god did show  
how Aaron should be priested  
With all his sons after what sort  
they should be consecrated  
And god to him did promise then  
that he would be their God  
And they should know he had them saved  
from Pharo and his rod   

The thirty, Chap  
An altar also he must make  
thereon to burn incense  
Also on it to reconcile  
yearly for their offence  
A brazen laver he must make  
to wash and make all clean  
The anointing oil with all the rest  
more holier things did mean   

The xxxi Chap  
Unto two men god gave the feat  
to work the holy things  
The Sabbath then, and day of rest  
God unto Moses myngs  
Tables twain the lord did give  
to Moses on the hill  
Wherein were writ the ten precepts  
which was the almighty's will   

The xxxii. Chap  
A golden calffe was made the while  
the people were so vain  
And Moses prayed to God for them  
and burst the tables twain  
When he came down he chod the priest  
and burnt the calf in fire  
Moses yernestlye prayed for them  
yet some were paid their hire   

The xxxiii chapter  
commanded were the people though  
that they should thence departed  
But god denied to go with them  
they were so froward in heart  
And when the people heard thereof  
they did lament in mind  
Moses willed to see God's face  
and saw him but behind   

Th' xxxiiii Chap  
Two tabels then are mad again  
and God his mercy plight  
To cope with Gentells or there gods  
it is forbidden quite  
The sweet bread feast which first begot  
and Sabbath day is told  
The first fruits Moses hard expressed  
whose face did shine like gold   

The xxxv Chap  
So Moses told the people all  
that is afore expressed  
To offer tithes and pay there fruits  
each on of them was priest  
Bezaleel Ahal●ab  
which wrought in silk and says  
The tabernacle they must make  
and Moses doth them prays   

The xxxvi chap  
These to afore made many things  
as God gave them the gift  
rings of gold and curtains thick  
to run all in a drift  
The people brought such store of stuff  
that there was over much  
Willing they were, to buld gods house  
and for to make it rich   

The xxxvii Chapter  
The ark was made of sethim would  
the mercy seat of gold  
The tabels and the candelstyks  
were made of the same mould  
Lamps like cupes that stood on them  
to borne and to give light  
The incense altar it was made  
according unto right   

The xxxviii Chap  
Another made for offerings  
which should there on be burnt  
A brazen laver for to wash  
much like until a fount  
sickles thousands was the sum  
that of good will they gave  
The spared no cost to please the lord  
so he their souls might have   

The xxxix Chapter  
Then Aaron's garments they did make  
appointed for the nonce  
Of costly gold and goodly silk  
all set with precious stones  
So fynyshe than they did the work  
as God to Moses wylld  
And he it blessed and praised it much  
when he the work beheld   

The ·xl. Chapt.  
So last of all, almighty God  
to Moses told his mind  
How he should set the holy things  
in their order and kind  
The lord did compass with a cloud  
the tabernacle quite,  
The presence of the lord of hosts  
was with it day and night   
Thus Exodus is finished just forty chapters all Leviticus comes next to it which have likewise ye shall.   


The first Chap  
GOd almighty Moses told  
within Leviticus,  
How he should offer sacrifice  
the Lord did it discuss  
Whether it were of beasts great  
or else of cattle small.  
Of turtle doves the manner how  
they should be offered all.   

The ii Chap  
For meat offering, & for sweet cakes  
the manner it to trim,  
If leaven were put in thereto  
then should it not like him,  
Fyne wheat flower, and frankincense  
must go unto this feast,  
Salt must season each sacrifice  
whether it be foul or beast.   

The ·iii. Chapt.  
The order how the offering  
for peace it should be used,  
To make accord where strife was had  
that hate might be refused,  
Of oxen, sheep, and lambs and goats  
atonement should be made,  
Leviticus the third Chapter  
doth show the form and trade,   

The iiii, Chapter  
That priest that then committed sin  
and done by ignorance  
Should reconcile with sacrifice  
confessing his mischance  
And if a lord did likewise so  
offer he must likewise  
The subject for the same offence  
must offer sacrifice.   

The v, Chapped  
For such as swear and not performed  
they must confess the deed  
And offer a goat or else a lamb  
unless he be in need  
The order how he should be cleansed  
that touched an unclean thing  
The Ignorant that synnyd then  
an offering must bring   

The vi Chapter.  
Then he that stolen or did deceive  
his neighbours willingly  
Or found a thing and it denied  
five fold restore should he  
The doers evil than offer should  
for there offence and sin  
An offering than is told full right  
for Aaron and his kine   

The vii Chapter.  
For trespase offering must be had  
likewise for sin and peace  
The baked & broiled with fried flesh  
is theirs that it doth dress  
The fat or blood may no man eat  
it is denied plain  
of best or foul where so it die  
by chance or else be slain.   

The viii Chapter.  
The order how that Aaron should  
anointed priest then be  
And all his garments fit for him  
then meet for his degree,  
And also for his sons thereto  
to minister also,  
With all their albes and tunicles  
wherein that they should go   

The ix chap  
Then Aaron offered to the lord  
for him and all the rest  
And then the people out of hand  
by Aaron were all blessed,  
This liked so well the lord above  
His glory did appear  
Consume he hid the sacrifice  
afore them all with fire,   

The x, Chapped  
And strange fire in sensors though  
was offered up a new  
And they were slain for their offence  
Nadab and Abihu,  
The priests were then forbidden wine  
to drink they were denied  
But they might eat the sacrifice  
if aught were left beside.   

The xi, Chapter  
The beasts that do not chow their cud  
nor wear their hoffes in twain  
For man to eat for sustenance  
they might not then be slain  
Fish lacking scale or fynne to swim  
might not be eaten though  
Nor diverse fouls nor creeping beasts  
which on the earth doth go   

The xii chap  
A law to Moses god did give  
for women that bare child  
Such pains to them & to the like  
might teach them to be mild  
Eight days in house remain they should  
and then be purified  
And offer gifts for sacrifice  
such as she might abide   

The xiii chapter  
The priests for lepers they must look  
and judge them by their skin,  
A white spot that is waxed black  
a lepre doth begin,  
All other notes if man will know  
a lepre how to dame,  
Let him then read the Chapter all  
which is of. L, thirteen.   

The xiiii Chapter  
Now at the time when he must be  
among the folk again,  
He must be cleansed then of the priests  
by order written plain,  
And all the house that he was in  
it must be cleansed also  
With searching had when it begins  
ere further that it go,   

The xu Chapter  
the manner how that men should be  
cleansed and purged clean,  
If they were stained by course unkind  
unpureness it doth mean  
For women also it doth show  
that have their birthright kind  
A sacrifice to purge them with  
for them was then assigned.   

The xvi. Chapter.  
What things that Aaron must fulfil  
within the holy place  
And how to cleanse the sanctuary  
the manner and the case.  
The feast of cleansing then is told  
how that it should be used  
And all was done as god them bade  
and nought at all refused.   

The xvii Chapter  
Without the doors the sacrifices  
they must needs all be slain  
So was the lord without the gates  
which died for our pain,  
And god did them command they should  
not offer unto devils  
Nor eat the blood nor carrion meat  
but keep them from such evils,   

The, xviii. Chapter,  
The ten and eight of. L, doth tell  
what kindreds are forbade  
To marry or spouse in wedlock rate  
which are denied of god,  
But charged they are to keep and serve  
the lord his hests and will  
and quite to fly from gentiles trades  
which altogether are ill   

The, nineteen, Chapter  
Expoundyd is the ten precepts  
in ten and nine of L,  
Let every man that loves the word  
give ear what they do tell  
To steal or lie or false to deal  
or judged in matters wrong  
Nor man to wear a woman's cote  
where it be short or long   

The twenty Chapter  
That none may sacrifice their seed  
to foreign gods or strange  
Such apparel is direct thereto  
that death there life must change  
And those that work by sorsery  
thou may not to them trust  
And certain kindreds are forbade  
in which not cope thou must   

The xxi Chapter  
When one did die and hence depart  
the priest might not be buy,  
Nor yet be shaven on head nor thine  
for God did it deny  
Also their wives they must be maids  
their daughters living chaste,  
misshapen men may be no priests  
of holy things to taste   

The xxii Chapter  
Such persons then the which might not  
eat of the sacrifice,  
almighty god though in his law  
shows then who he denies,  
The manner how that they should do  
when they to offer went  
All this was done to keep them back  
from doing their intent,   

Th' xxiii. Chap  
Command did god the Sabbath day  
and easter to be used  
The first fruits feast and whitsuntide  
it might not be refused  
The feast of cleansing also must  
be kept in order right  
With other feasts that there are myngd  
as Moses did them write   

The, xxiiii, Chapter  
decreed was then the lamps should be  
and oil in them light  
With show bred set upon a board  
each both in their sight  
The child that cursed & did blaspheme  
was stoned unto death,  
He that kylles a man must die  
as God almighty saith,   

The xxv Chap  
Each seven year tho, the Sabbath year  
must solemnly be kept,  
No vine was cut for that hole year  
nor corn esowne nor repte  
The thirty year were bond men free  
and lands restored again.  
All usury it is forbade  
by words that are full plain   

The xxvi Chapter  
Forbid did god all Images  
by words most plainly told.  
To them to kneel he doth deny  
A man to be so bold,  
God will defend his people all  
that will his word obey  
But they which not regard his will  
their counsels shall decay   

The xxvii Chapter  
God told how vows should prisid be  
woman were it or man  
And for the tithes that should be paid  
which were appointed than  
These commandments afore  
were given in mount Sinai  
With charges great them to observe  
from god the almighty   
Leviticus is past and gone twenty and seven in all And Numery ye shall have next the forth book we it call   


The first Chapter  
Apt to battle those that were  
from twenty years and more  
Are pointed out of all the tribes  
save Levy kept in store  
Which tribe the lord did take & choose  
to minister his will  
Such holy things as he had lawed  
they must them all fullfyl   

The two chapter  
build the tents how that they should  
was told unto them though  
The tabarnacle round about  
each tribe his tent to know  
The heads and rullers of the hosts  
are named in their kind  
The Levites served in the mydes  
as god had them assygnde   

The iii Chapter  
Choose out to battle might they not  
the Levyts in their tribe  
For the first borne the Lord them took  
and so set them on side  
To minister his holy things  
within the holy place  
And next thereto to build their shrods  
they must in any case   

The iiii, Chapped  
Decree did God what they should do  
their offices he told  
And further than he pointed them  
they not to be so bold  
Each one after his stock and kind  
full decently was set  
And every one to keep his course  
withouten stay or let   

The v. Chapter  
Each one with issue, & lazar man  
might not among them dwell  
For wrongs then done fivefold restored  
the law did them compel.  
From company that was suspect  
to keep men's wives in awe  
There was set out of jealousy  
a good decreed law   

The, vi. Chapter,  
For such as then did vow the vow  
of perfect abstinence  
The lord almight their fare did point  
to keep them from offence  
And also showed to Moses than  
the manner how Aaron  
Should bless the flock, saying the lord  
bless and keep you each one   

The vii, Chapter  
Gifts were given then of the Lords  
and heads of Israel  
Among them all than one was height  
by name Nathaniel  
Great were the gifts that they did give  
they spared for no cost  
In setting forth God's service right  
they might with all men boast   

The, viii, Chapter  
How that the lord would have the lambs  
to Moses he did show  
The candelstyks in order fit  
where they were high or low  
For cleansing offering must be had  
the levities it must use  
Which when they came to thirty years  
offering they might not use   

The ix Chapped  
justly how to keep their paske  
to Moses it was told  
And how the field or foreign man  
to offer might be bold  
He that denied to offer though  
he must be made to die  
Both night and day a guide they had  
a cloud and light from on high   

The ten Chapter  
Knowledge had the people though  
by trumpets that were blown,  
Were it in wars or time of peace  
the sound to them was known  
From Sinai they did depart  
their captains numbered all,  
And jethro would not flit with them  
betide what might befall,   

The xi Chapter  
Like fools the people did complain  
and plagued they were with fire  
With Manna cloyed, to Egypt back  
for flesh was their desire  
Moses then did grieve the Lord  
whose burden he did ease,  
On quails they fed, and killed they were  
for god they did displease,   

The xii, Chap  
Miriam then did grudge & swell  
at Moses, god his judge  
And Aaron did consent thereto  
and so they both did grudge  
With leprosy was Miriam stroke  
to teach her to rebel  
At Moses prayer she was restored  
and lived, and did full well   

The xiii Chapter  
Notes to take of Canaan  
twelve men were thither sent  
To see the fatness of the land  
therefore afore they went,  
Which came & told how rich it was  
with grapes a cluster great  
They told of cities great and strong  
which made them chafe and fret,   

The xiiii,  
Opinion had the people than  
that land not to obtain,  
And grudge they did against the lord  
which would then straight have slain  
Not one of all the Israelites  
the best land did possess  
Save joshua and Caleb both  
which two, the lord did bless,   

The xv. Chapter  
Prescribe did god a sacrifice  
for sins of ignorance  
But die they should that wilfully  
did sin by arrogance,  
Stoond he was that gathered sticks  
upon the Sabbath day  
Their garments guarded round about  
god's hests for to obey   

The xvi Chapped  
Quarrels picked certain tho  
and Corah was the one,  
Also Dathan and Abiron  
the fourth made up of On,  
These rebelde against their heads  
and moved god to Ire,  
He caused the earth to take them in  
and burnt the rest with fire.   

The xvii Chapter  
Receive a token of their evil.  
immediately they did  
Twelve rods were brought from all the heads  
as god himself did bid  
Among them all then Aaron's rod  
did flourish forth with buds  
To teach them way the preachers then  
for losing of their bloods.   

The xviii Chapter  

Such things as levites then did use  
did god almighty point,  
They were his priests to serve his will  
whom Aaron did anoint  
To whom the tithes & fruits were paid  
to maintain their degree  
And Aaron had an heritage  
as ye may read and see.   

eighteen chapters now are passed  
of Numeri by name,  
And eighteen more ye shall have next  
I trust in as good frame.    

The xix Chap  
A Red Cow than was bod to kill  
by Eliazer the priest  
To sparge her blood, and burn her quite  
as he full well it wist,  
A law to keep the people clean  
from filthiness or spot  
No man to touch the holy place  
but he that was his lot   

The xx, chapped  
Begin did Israel for to grudge  
they lacked drink to drink  
Out of a rok there gushste a stream  
that fylld them to the brink  
The Edomyts would not let pas  
the people thorough his land  
Then Aaron died and in his room  
Elyazar did stand   

The xxi Chapped  
Captain Arad came to fight  
and lost his City and life  
immediately when they were come  
even from the waters of strife  
Then stung they were by serpents great  
and healed by one on high  
They kylld two kings, Sehon & Og  
as Israel passed buy   

The xxii Chapped  
devise did ●alak for to curse  
the Israelites to hell  
And sent for Balam in his fume  
his cursing for to tell,  
He once denied, and yet he went  
his mind was set on gain  
He smote his Ass, and she denied  
his labour was in vain.   

The xxiii, Chap  
Even as Balac had decreed  
so went he up on high,  
And Balam talckte with god awhile  
and spoke thus by and by,  
How shall I curse or else defy  
whom god doth nothing so  
And then he blessed, and blessed again  
or ever he did go,   

The xxiiii, Chap  
Forth went Balam in parables  
declaring Israel's hap  
And Balac angry with the thing  
his hands in one did clap  
When he had said, than Balam told  
of Christ's kingdom plain  
A star and Sceptre up shall rise  
in jacob for to reign   

The xxv, chapped  
God's people than did slip a wry  
and whoredom did commit  
The Moabyts in their service  
had tiest them unto it  
Then god commanded Moses straight  
to hang the rulars all  
As two were doing of the deed  
Phinches on them did fall   

The xxvi Chapped  
How many were the Israelyts  
that Canaan should possess  
The hole xii. tribes are nombryd all  
whom God did choose and bless  
He wylld the land for to be dealt  
by parts in form equal  
The more, the more, the fewer the less  
so that ne one to have all   

The xxvii Chapped  
In press them came there certain maid's  
inheritance for to crave  
Even so they had, as next of blood  
successively must have,  
The land behest to Moses showed  
and told he is to die,  
His prayer is heard, & joshua set  
his room for to supply.   

The xxviii Chapped  
Knowledge given for every day  
what offering they must use  
A lamb at morn, and eke at even  
unspotted they must choose,  
The paske how that it should be kept  
the day is pointed out  
with all the order of the feast  
to put them out of doubt   

The xxix Chap  
Like sacrifice as god did point  
this chapter doth express  
And tells how all their meats & drinks  
in order they must dress  
Eight days at once they must not cease  
to offer sacrifice,  
And work no kind of work in them  
as god did them dyvise.   

The thirty. Chap.  
Men that vowed, or swore an oath  
with promise to the Lord  
Must stand to it and not go back  
the scripture doth accord  
But maid or wife that did the same  
without their heads consent  
They must go back if he denied  
for all their good intent   

The xxxi, Chap  
Next to that went Israel forth  
the Madianits to kill  
And slew the males & bornt their towns  
and led the rest at will  
Equally the spoylle was dealt  
the captains were so good  
Save certain things were given to god  
for saving of there blood   

The xxxii▪ Chap  
Over jordane towards the east  
possession out was set  
for two hole trybs and half a one  
so that they would not let  
To go before their brethren all  
in harness fresh and bright  
Against the land of Canaan  
to put them all to flight   

The xxxiii Chap  
Perfrome did Moses gods precept  
their journeys he did write,  
From place to place in wilderness  
and tells where they did light  
Then god did hid that they should kill  
the Cananytes out right  
And ding their chapels all a down  
and burst there Idols quite   

The xxxiiii Chap  
Quietly how they should possess  
the land is told them plain  
The east the west the north the south  
where they should rulle and reign  
Who should point out the land by lots  
the Lord did Moses tell  
The heads should set out ekemans' part  
where he should bide and dwell   

The xxxv Chap.  
recite did God the levities lots  
the suburbs and there towns  
For refuge certain cities set  
to keep them in there bownds  
He that with will a man did kill  
he must of right be slain  
One witness may in no wise stand  
unless that they be twain   

The xlvi Chapter  
Supplycasyon then was made  
for maids that were unwed  
Within their tribe them must they take  
their husband and their head  
Every tribe within his tribe  
must wed and take his wife  
Not one to myngell in others part  
for fear of bate and strife   
So Numery hath thus his end the forth book it is set The fift in order ye shall have if God give us no let   


The i. Chap  
A Rehearsal first is made  
of things that were begun  
From Oreb hill, to Cades barn  
the acts that God had done  
The charge that Moses judges gave  
let rulars hear the same  
If they intent the Lord to please  
and void rebuke and shame   

The two, Chap  
begun as Moses had tofore  
so forth he doth proceed  
From Cades barn until they came  
withouten fear or dread  
And fought against Sebon the king  
which Hesbon did possess  
He was destroyed and all his land  
was taken more and less   

The iii Chap  
Cast down were all the Amonits  
by Israel's mighty hand  
Likewise Og the king of Basan  
afore them might not stand  
joshua chosen captain was  
to stand in Moses' stead  
And Moses bade him to be bold  
and do as god should bid   

The iiii, Chap  
Decreed laws by God almight  
Which if they would attend them to  
then should they do full well  
From thence to take ne add thereto  
nor images to rear  
Three cities pointed for refuge  
all this doth there appear   

The v, Chap  
Every law that God did make  
for people to obey  
Is closed within the ten precepts  
which there all read ye may  
For images yet once again  
renewed is the charge  
And if they heed the Lord his hests  
the land is theirs at large   

The vi Chapped  
Fellow they must the Lord his will  
even earnestly with might  
Upon their doors and posts also  
they must them plainly write  
Not only so but also teach  
their children they are bode  
The Lords precepts both all & some  
that they may know their god   

The seven, Chap  
God did charge no league to make  
with Gentylls in no wise  
They must destroy there Idols quite  
and all there gods despise  
He also saith that he will bless  
the keepers of his will  
And curse the rest and charge he gave  
Idolaters to kill   

The viii Chap  
How marvelously that god had dealt  
with Israel forty year  
In wilderness with benefits  
as plainly doth appear  
They are commanded not to say  
their might did them defend  
But that the lord did bring them forth  
and gave their foes their end   

The ix Chapter  
In any case they are forbade  
to trust in their own strength  
For who so doth, him will betide  
a fall to have at length  
Moses then rehearsal made  
full breflye in a sum  
From time they had received the law  
till they to lust begun   

The ten Chap  
Know ye may of Israel's walk  
whiles they in journey went  
And how the tables were renewed  
when they were broke and rend  
Nothing the Lord did then require  
for doing them such good  
But that they should heed his precepts  
and set thereon their mode   

The xi Chap  
Love they must the Lord his law  
still Moses gave them charge  
With heart & mind they must him serve  
that had set them at large  
To talk there of when that they rise  
or at their sitting down  
Or else in journey as they walk  
in field or eyes in town   

The xii Chapter  
Moses once more gave them charge  
against Idolatry  
It to suppress and put it down  
and from the same to fly  
And blood to eat, they are forbade  
in any manner wise  
And only do as god them bade  
and not what lykde their eyes   

The, xiii, Chapter  
No prophet false, must bide and live  
but must be made to die  
Wicked folk must not be hard  
though in thy breast the lie  
God for to try the israelites  
how strong they were in faith  
Would suffer things to prove them with  
as Moses plainly saith   

The xiiii Chap  
Omyte they must the Gentles trades  
and fly their doings quyghte  
And only serve almighty God  
with all their main and might  
Such beasts as they might not then eat  
are manifestly told  
And which were clean is there expressed  
that eat they might be bold   

The, xv, Chapter  
To pardon debts, then are they bode  
at every seventh year end  
When god his will is served and kept  
no scarceness he will send  
Those that will lend to such as need  
the manner is told them how  
deformity in sacrifice  
the Lord doth not allow   

The xvi Chapter  
Quietly to keep their feasts  
the times are told them plain  
When that they should be used & kept  
is written once again  
O that judges would mark & read  
and do as God there bad  
To take no gifts in any case  
but justice to be had   

The ·xviis. Chapt.  

rewarded must Idolaters  
with death by law to die  
And doubtful things must be refard  
to those that be on high   

Presumptuous men that do rebel  
must die the law doth ming  
The man, and state that he must keep  
that they would take to king   

Halffe this book is told afore  
seaventen chapters just  
Seaventen more ye shall have next  
in God put we our trust    

The xviii Chap  
ALL the Levites that were priests  
might not possessions have  
All sorcery they must avoid  
their lives to keep and save  
Moses told of Christ to come  
and bade them him to hear  
The Prophet false they must not weigh  
nor all his doings fear   

The xix Chapped  
Because that murder might be done  
against the doers mind  
For refuge, cities were set out  
and there unto asygnde  
The false witness must have the stone  
return to his own brow  
An eye for eye, and tooth for tooth  
the law did then allow   

The xx. Chap  
Such as might not then go to wars  
this chapter doth exspres  
The law of arms to them is told  
to use in war or peace  
The Canaanites the Pherezits  
the jebusites also  
With the Hevites they must destroy  
not letting one to go   

The xxi, Chap  
Decree did god a goodly law  
for him that was found dead  
And how the Jew should him behave  
a Gentle for to wed  
The first borne son he must possess  
the heritage and land  
The child that parents doth not fear  
must die even out of hand   

The xxii. Chapter  
Each man must help his neighbour's ass  
although he be unknown,  
The man denied the woman's tire  
and she to go in her own,  
Linsey wolsey might not be worn  
the adulterer must die,  
And order taken for that man  
that with a maid did lie,   

The xxiii. Chap  
Forbidden was the gelded man  
in Christ's church to dwell.  
The harlot's bird doth god command  
that they should quite expel,  
There might no whore among them bide  
the lord did so decree,  
The lone of things is there denied  
to lend on usury.   

The xxiiii Chapter  
give leave did Moses to divorce  
for causes that were light  
The newly spoused they might not force  
in battle for to fight,  
For money lente and servants hire  
a goodly lesson told,  
Some leysing life in field and town  
for poor folk, young or old.   

The xxv, chapter  
How many stripes the trespasser  
should have for wicked life,  
A man that died without a son  
his brother should wed his wife  
That weights & measures should be just  
read ye the chapters end,  
Who so doth use the contrary  
shall come to wicked end.   

The xxvi Chapter  
justly must they pay their fruits  
that first to them did fall  
The tithes they were commanded to  
they should then pay them all,  
Unto the priests the fatherless,  
the stranger and the widow,  
Such goods were then the poors of right  
how so they use them now,   

The xxvii Chapter  
Knowledge had, the people than  
an altar up to rear,  
Afore that jordane they did pass  
or came the land so near,  
The curses then that Levi was  
commanded for to speak,  
Against all those that did delight  
gods will to burst or break   

The xxviii. Chap  
lovingly the lord did bless  
the keepers of his will  
to stablish them in their good minds  
to keep them in it still,  
And curse he doth the contrary  
with cursing marvelous great  
Those that him love he doth them bless  
his haters he doth threat   

The xxix Chapped  
Moses then went out and spoke  
unto the people all,  
And said to such as feareth god  
the lord defend them shall,  
But they that not regard his will  
such plagues on them shall come  
as like hath not been seen on earth  
from rising of the sun,   

The thirty, chapped  
Not far from them that do it seek  
is god's almighty word  
Those that it love, and it obey  
are saved from the sword,  
Within our mouths, & in our hearts  
the word is always pressed,  
Those that it keep are sure at length  
for it they shall be blessed,   

The xxxi Chapped  
old was Moses and did chose  
then joshua in his steed,  
To whom he said, see thou be strong  
and have no fear or dread,  
This book he wrote and did it give  
into the Levites hand,  
And charged that they the same should read  
when they came to the land,   

The xxxii Chap  
pleasantly then did Moses sing  
a goodly song of praise,  
Unto the lord for all the acts  
that he had wrought always,  
And up he went unto a hill  
to look on Canaan,  
God bade him there to run the race  
that all his fathers ran.   

The xxxiii Chap  
quietly Moses did prepare  
to sleep his fathers sleep,  
But this he said afore he went  
that god his Saints doth keep  
Also he blessed all the tribes,  
afore his dying day,  
And told how they should rule & reign  
if they did god obey.   

The xxxiiii Chapter  

Rest from his work did Moses then  
and so gave up the ghost,  
At his departure they did weep  
even throughout all the host,  
And joshua did his room possess  
as Moses had it wylld,  
And ruled all the Israelites  
in city and in field.   

Of Moses books here is the last  
as he did them all writ,  
Unto the lord give ye the praise  
which is the god of might    
FINIS.