¶ The Acts of the Apostles, translated into english Metre, and dedicated to the Kings most excellent Majesty, by Christofer Tye, Doctor in music, and one of the gentlemen of his graces most honourable Chapel, with notes to each Chapter, to sing and also to play upon the Lute, very necessary for students after their study, to file their wits, and also for all Christians that cannot sing, to read the good and Godly stories of the lives of Christ his Apostles.  
1553   

Syrack. XXXII.  

If God to rule, do thee elect  
Pride not thyself therein  
As one of thine, be in effect  
Thy people so to win.   

Let care for them, be thy repast  
That wisdom be their choice  
And when thy duty, done thou hast  
Sit down with them rejoice.   

Of honour then, receive the crown  
In wisdom to excel  
For wisdom, winneth great renown  
which doth become thee well.   
hinder not music.   

¶ To the Virtuous and Godly learned Prince, Edward the vi by the grace of God, King of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the Faith, and on earth next and immediately under Christ, of the Churches of England and Ireland the Supreme head, your graces humble, loving, and obedient servant Christofer Tye, wisheth the continuance of God his fear to dwell in your grace's heart, long to reign in much honour, health, wealth and victory.  

Consydring well, most godly King  
The zeal and perfect love:  
Your grace doth bear, to each good thing  
That given is from above.   

And that your grace, oft times doth look  
To learn of the last day:  
The which ye find, with in god's book  
That will not pass away.   

Whose book is given, in these your days  
Wherein ye do rejoice:  
And eke praise him, in all his ways  
And that with thankful voice.   

Which doth make glad, your subjects all  
And moveth them to learn:  
Gods lively word, and how they shall  
The truth thereby discern.   

Behold O King, of God elect  
And ye shall right well see:  
That as your highness, is affect  
So will your Subjects be.   

Your grace may note, from time to time  
That some doth under take:  
Upon the Psalms, to write in rhyme  
The verse pleasant to make.   

And some doth take, in hand to write  
Out of the book of Kings:  
Because they see, your grace delight  
Insuche like Godly things.   

And last of all, I your poor man  
Whose doings are full base:  
Yet glad to do, the best I can  
To give unto your grace   

Have thought it good, now to recite  
The stories of the Acts:  
Even of the twelve, as Luke doth write  
Of all their worthy facts.   

Unto the text, I do not add  
Nor nothing take away  
And though my style, be gross and bad  
The truth perceive you may.   

Your Majesty, is not to teach  
Thapostles words are plain:  
With inkhorn terms, they did not preach  
But sought an easy vain.   

Plainly to speak, their masters will  
The people to instruct:  
That they their calling, might fulfil  
In truth them to conduct.   

praying your grace, not to think now  
That I do condescend:  
The pleasant style, to disallow  
But do it much commend.   

But he that shall, of scripture treat  
If he will please God well:  
Of force he must, such terms forgeat  
The truth plainly to tell.   

My Ignorance, thus to excuse  
I have my mind expressed:  
I trust your grace, will not refuse  
To make of it the best.   

And if your grace, shall in good part  
My simple work so take:  
My wits to this, I will convert  
All vain things to forsake.   

My calling is, another way  
Your grace shall here in find:  
By notes set forth, to sing or play  
To recreate the mind.   

And though they be, not curious  
But for the letter meet:  
Ye shall them find, harmonious  
And eke pleasant and sweet.   

That such good things, your grace might move  
Your lute when ye assay:  
In stead of songs, of wanton love  
These stories then to play.   

So shall your grace, please God that Lord  
In walking in his way:  
His laws and statutes, to record  
In your heart night and day.   

And eke your realm, shall flourish still  
No good thing shall decay:  
Your subjects shall, with right good will  
These words record and say.   

Thy life O King, to us doth shine  
As God's book doth thee teach:  
Thou dost us feed, with such doctrine  
As Christ's elect did preach.   

The living God, grant thee to reign  
In great honour and wealth:  
Thy virtuous life, good Lord maintain  
And send thee prosperous health.   

Thy dear Sisters, the spirit them lead  
To love the word of God:  
Which shall them stand, in better stead  
Than doth their whole livelihood.   

Thy whole counsel, the Lord preserve  
And grant to man and wife:  
To crave of him, not once to serve  
From his sweet word of life. Amen.    


CHRIST did ascend, up in to heaven  
As ye shall after read:  
Mathias was, of the eleven  
Elect in judas stead.   

Mean.  
In the former treatise to thee Dear friend The o philus: I have written the   

Tenor.  
In the former treatise to thee Dear friend The o philus, I have written the ve ri te,   

counter-tenor.  
In the former treatise to thee Dear friend The o philus I have written the ve ri-   

Bassus.  
In the former treatise to thee Dear friend The o philus, I have written the verity the   

Mean.  
ve ri te, Of the Lord Christ jesus, Which he to do and eke to teach, Began until the   

Tenor.  
Of the Lord Christ jesus, Which he to do and eke to teach, Began until the   

Contertenor.  
te of the Lord Christ jesus, Which he to do and eke to teach, Began until the   

Bassus.  
ve ri te of the Lord Christ je sus, Which he to do and eke to teach, Began until the   

Mean.  
day: In which the spirit up him did feache, To dwell above for aye.   

Tenor.  
day: In which the spirit up him did feache, up him did fetch, To dwell above for aye.   

counter-tenor.  
day: In which the spirit up him did fetch To dwell above for aye.   

Bassus.  
spirit up him did fetch up him did fetch, To dwell above for aye.   


IN the former, treatise to thee  
Dear friend Theophilus:  
I have written, the verity  
Of the Lord Christ jesus.   

Which he to do, and eke to teach  
Began until the day:  
In which the spirit, up did him feache  
To dwell above for aye.   

After that he, had power to do  
Even by the holy ghost:  
Commandments, than he gave unto  
His chosen least and most.   

To whom also, himself did show  
From death thus to revive:  
By tokens plain, unto his few  
Even forty days alive.   

Speaking of Gods, kingdom with heart  
Choosing together them:  
Commanding them, not to departed  
From that jerusalem.   

But still to wait, on the promise  
Of his father the Lord:  
Of which ye have, heard me or this  
Unto you make record.   

For john with water, did baptize  
But ye shall baptist be:  
Even with the spirit, that is rightwise  
Within few days trust me.   

When they were then, all him before  
They moved him to tell:  
If at that time, he would restore  
The kingdom to Israel.   

He said to them, I do record  
The knowledge is not yover:  
To know the times, that God the Lord  
Hath kept in his own power.   

The holy ghost, receive shall ye  
Which shall teach you to do:  
And ye shall all, my witness be  
jerusalem unto.   

In all jury, and Samary  
To witness I you send:  
And preach my word, that shall tarry  
Even unto the worlds end.   

When he had said, these words aloud  
While they beheld the light:  
He was up take, into a cloud  
Straight way out of their sight.   

And while they lokt, up stead fastly  
To heaven as he up went:  
Behold two men, stood there them by  
And white was their garment.   

Which said ye men, of Galilee  
Why gaze ye up in vain:  
This jesus thus, up take from ye  
Shall thus come down again.   

Then did return, each one of them  
From Olivet the mount:  
A journey from, jerusalem  
One Sabbath day I count.   

When they came to, jerusalem  
A parlare there was dight  
Where did abide, each one of them  
That I will now recyght.   

Peter and james, john and Andrew  
Philip and eke Thomas:  
Bartylmewe james, Simon Matthew  
judas that james son:   

These all abode, with one accord  
In supplication still:  
And did desire, of God the Lord  
His promise to fulfil.   

¶ And women that, wer●●ertens  
With them to heaven ●yd call:  
Besides the mother, of jesus  
And eke his brethren all.  
¶ In those days Peter, stood up stout  
Emyds them all truly:  
To view the names, which was about  
An hundredth and twenty.  
¶ And said ye brethren, the scripture  
Must needs fulfilled be:  
Which David by, the spirit so pure  
Of judas did foresee.  
¶ Which did guide them, that took jesus  
To his confusion sure:  
Who numbered was, for one of us  
In ministration pure:  
¶ And now he hath, possessed the ground  
Of great iniquity:  
Despair hath driven, him to confound  
His life upon a tree.  
¶ He braced in two, the midst about  
His body was so swoon:  
His bowels all, they gushed out  
As it is right well known.  
¶ The dwellers at, jerusalem  
Doth call the field this day:  
Acheldama, the which with them  
The blood field is to say.  
¶ The book of psalms, doth thus declare  
Be void his dwelling place:  
Another shall, even for his share  
His bishopric embrace:  
¶ Wherefore of these, the which with us  
Hath been in company:  
At all such times, as Christ jesus  
Went in and out us by.  
¶ Even from the first, baptism of john  
Till Christ went up certain:  
To witness we, must ordain one  
Of Christ's rising again.  
¶ And they right soon, appointed two  
joseph hight Barsabas:  
Whose surname was, justus also  
The other Mathias.  
¶ They prayed & said, thou Lord canst taste  
All hearts and them discus:   

Which of these two, show that thou hast  
Given fellowship with us.  
¶ That one may exercise, the place  
Of ministration well:  
Thapostle ship, from which judas  
By his transgression fell.  
¶ And they gave forth, their lots with speed  
Which wrought by power from heaven:  
Mathias was, elect in deed  
And went with the eleven.     


THE coming of, the holy ghost  
Peter did preach in deed:  
Even at jerusalem, where most  
The faithful did increase.   

Mean.  
When that the fifty day was   

Tenor.  
When that the fifty day was   

counter-tenor.  
When that the fifty day was   

Bassus.  
When that the fifty day was   

Mean.  
cum, Whytsonday full of grace, They came together all and some, In to a certain   

Tenor.  
come, Whitsonday full of grace: They came together all and sum Into a certain place: place:   

counter-tenor.  
come Whitsonday full of grace: They came together all and some, Into a certain place, a certain   

Bassus.  
come, Whitsonday full of grace: They came together all & some Into a certain place: place:   

Mean.  
place, And suddenly a sound out braced, From heaven as it had been,   

Tenor.  
And suddenly, a sound out burst, From heaven as it had been: The coming of a mighty   

counter-tenor.  
place, And suddenly, a sound out burst, From heaven as it had been, The   

Bassus.  
And suddenly, a sound out burst, From heaven as it had been, The coming of a   

Mean.  
The coming of a mighty blast, filling the house with dene.   

Tenor.  
blast, filling the house with dene: dene:  

WHen that the fifty, day was come  
Whitsonday full of grace:  
They came together, all and some  
In to a certain place.  
¶ And suddenly, a sound out burst  
From heaven as it had been:  
The coming of, a mighty blast  
filling the house with dene.    

counter-tenor.  
coming of a mighty blast, filling the house with dene.   

Bassus.  
mighty blast, filling the house with dene: dene:   


Cloven tongues did, to them appear  
Like as they had been fire:  
And sat upon them, every where  
To fulfil their desire.  
¶ The holy ghost, did them advance  
To tongues right wise and sage:  
Even as the spirit, gave utterance  
So changed their language.  
¶ And there dwelled at, jerusalem  
jews' that feared the Lord:  
Of every country, some of them  
That came to bear record.  
¶ Now when this voice, came thus to pass  
The multitude did more:  
They came together, where it was  
And were amazed sore.  
¶ For every one, heard his own tongue  
That he had used long:  
They wondered all, both old and young  
And said themselves among:  
¶ Behold are not, these men new sprung  
Even out of Galilee:  
How hear we then, each one his tongue  
Wherein right borne were we.  
¶ Parthians, Medes, and Elamits  
Mesopotamians:  
And men of jury, Luke recites  
With Capadocians.  
¶ The Pontans, and the Asyans  
Phrigi, and Pamphilie  
Of Egypt, and the Lybyans  
dwelling Siren near buy.  
¶ Strangers of Rome, jews Proselits  
Tharabians said thus:  
They spoke our tongues, which truly hyts  
Of God the works wondrus.  
¶ They were amazed, & sore afraid  
Wondringe at this strange sign:  
And other mocked, them and said  
They are full of new wine.  
¶ Peter stood up, the truth to tell  
Straining his voice to them:  
Of jury and, to those that dwell  
Even at jerusalem.  
¶ Be this well known, unto you all  
And with your ears hear say:  
These are not drunk, as ye them call  
This third hour of the day.  
¶ But this is it, that spoken was  
Of the prophet joel:  
In the last days, shall come to pas  
Saith God as I shall tell.  
¶ I will power out, saith God the Lord  
My spirit upon all flesh:  
Your sons and, daughters shall record  
young men shall see things fresh.  
¶ Your old men shall, dream dreams always  
On my servants will I:  
power out my spirit, even in those days  
And they shall prophesy.  
¶ Wonders in heaven, I will provoke  
And on the earth great change:  
Blood, fire and thee, vapour of smoke  
Which shall appear right strange.  
¶ The Sun shall turn, into darkness  
The Moon eke into blood:  
Before the day, of great jousts  
The Lord shall think it good.  
¶ And it shallbe, even in those days  
Who so will mercy crave:  
And call upon, the Lord always  
Doubtless he will him save.  
¶ Ye Israelites, be ye not deaf  
But hear this if ye can:  
The Lord jesus, of nazareth  
Of God approved man.  
¶ Among you was, miraculus  
Great wonders he did show:  
God wrought by him, things wonderus  
Emidst of you ye know.  
¶ Him have ye taken, by the hands  
To scourge him with a rod:  
After he was, given you in bands  
By the foresight of God.  
¶ Ye have him crucifed, and slain  
But God again him raised:  
And loosed him, from death and pain  
In him still to be praised.  
¶ Because it was, impossible  
To withstand his great might:  
For David which was, credible  
Did prophecy aright.  
¶ I saw God always, before me  
He is on my right hand:  
That I should never, moved be  
My heart did understand.  
¶ Great joys my heart, did feel in deed  
My tongue was glad also:  
My flesh did live, without all dread  
In hope void of all wo.  
¶ Because my soul, to make his moan  
In hell shall not left be:  
Ne yet suffer, the holy one  
Corruption for to see.  
¶ Thou hast of life, showed me the light  
With joy my heart possessed:  
Even with, thy countenance so bright  
My soul is brought to rest.  
¶ Ye men & brethren, my words mark  
Let me speech freely have:  
Even of David, the Patriarch  
For he lieth dead in grave.  
¶ And his sepulchre, doth remain  
With us unto this day:  
No doubt he was, a prophet plain  
And knew what God did say.  
¶ Not only say, but also swear  
And in his oath repeat:  
The fruits of his, loins shall prosper  
And sit upon his seat.  
¶ In that Christ in, the flesh should rise  
He right well saw before:  
And said he should, rise up right wise  
And live for evermore.  
¶ His soul should not, be left in hell  
His flesh corrupt nought shall:  
God hath him raised, up right well  
Whereof we witness all.  
¶ sins now that he, by the right hand  
Of God exalted is:  
And by the Lord, doth understand  
The holy ghosts promise.  
¶ Now of his words, ye know the end  
As ye may hear and see:  
David to heaven did not ascend:  
But truly thus said he.  
¶ The Lord unto, my Lord did say  
Sit thou on my right hand:  
until I make, thy foes to stay  
Thy foot on them to stand.  
¶ All Israel, know this certain  
And therein to persist:  
The same jesus, whom ye have slain  
God hath made Lord and Christ.  
¶ When they heard this, their hearts did fall  
And said Peter unto:  
And eke to thee, Apostles all  
Brethren what shall we do.  
¶ And Peter said, to them repent  
And then Baptism begin:  
In Christ his name, by whom God sent  
Remission of sin.  
Ye shall receive, the holy ghost  
The promise so did fall:  
To you and yours, in every coast  
Such as the Lord shall call.  
¶ He bare witness, of great comfort  
exhorting them each one:  
To save them from, thou toward sort  
And generation.   

They that his preaching, did embrace  
Were baptist even through out:  
There came to them, that day by grace  
Three thousand souls about.   

They did follow, th'apostles lore  
Doctrine and company:  
Breaking their bread, and evermore  
In prayer certainly.   

And eke of every soul the fere  
Of God on them did fall:  
Wonders and signs, were showed each where  
By the apostles all.   

And such as did, believe Gods will  
Together kept in bands:  
To have all things, in comen still  
They sold their goods and lands.   

Departing them, even in the Lord  
As every man had need:  
Being daily, with one accord  
In the temple in deed.   

In every house, the bread to part  
Their meat to eat aright:  
With joy, and singleness of heart  
Praising the God of might.   

They had favour, with every one  
The Lord added right fire:  
Unto the congregation  
such as should saved he.     

The contents.  

THE halt restored, is certain  
Even to his perfect strength:  
And Peter preached, Christ right plain  
As ye shall read at length.   

Mean.  
Peter & john, they took their way The temple up in   

Tenor.  
Peter and john, they took their way The temple up in-   

Treble.  
Peter & john, they took their way The temple up into: About the ninth, hour for to pray As they were wont to do. A certain man both halt and lame, Even from his birth right poor: They brought and laid, daily the same Even at the tem ple door.   

Tenor.  
Peter and john, they took their way The temple up in to: About the ninth hour for to pray, for to pray, As they were wont to do, A certain man, both halt & lame, Even from his birth right poor They brought and laid, daily the same Even at the tem ple door.   

Mean.  
Peter and john, they took their way The temple up in to: About the ninth hour for to pray, As they were wont to do, A certain man both halt & lame, Even from his birth right poor, They brought and laid daily the same Even at the temple door.   

Basse.  
Peter and john, they took their way The temple up in to, About the ninth, hour for to pray, for to pray, As they were wont to do, A certain man, both halt and lame, Even from his birth right poor: They brought & laid: daily the same, Even at the temple door▪   


PEter & john, they took their way  
The Temple up in to:  
About the ninth, hour for to pray  
As they were wont to do.  
certain man, both halt and lame  
Even from his birth right poor:  
They brought and laid, daily the same  
Even at the Temple door.  
Which is called, the beautiful  
That he might alms crave:  
Of them that went, to the temple  
Some help of them to have.   

And when he saw, Peter and john  
Right near the temple drew:  
Their alms he, did axe anon  
And they both did him view.   

And said to him, look thou on us  
And he was well a paid:  
hoping of them, to have alms  
But Peter to him said.   

Silver and gold, now have I none  
But such as God gave me:  
By virtue of, the holy one  
The same give I to thee.   

Now in the name, of Christ jesus  
Of Nazareth arise:  
In company, to walk with us  
And praise the Lord most wise.   

He took him then, by the right hand  
And lift him up at length:  
Upon his feet, he straight did stand  
His bones received strength.   

And he did spring, stand, walk & start  
In at the temple door:  
leaping, praising, even with his heart  
The living Lord therefore.   

The people all, did him well see  
Praise God for his good state:  
And they knew well, that it was he  
Which begged at the gate.   

They were filled, with great wondering  
And were amazed sore:  
Even at this man's, sudden healing  
That was so lame before.   

This healed halt, held fast also  
Even of Peter and john:  
The people ran, to them in to  
The porch of Solomon.   

When Peter saw, them wonder so  
These words to them he spoke:  
Ye Israelittes, I say of who  
This wondering do ye make.   

Or why look ye, with steadfastness  
On us as we could do:  
By our own power, or holiness  
This cure this man unto,   

The God of Abraham and Isacke  
And jacob this hath done:  
God of our fathers, without lack  
Hath glorifed his son.   

jesus whom once, refused ye  
In pilate's presents plain:  
When he had judged, him to be  
Loosed from death and pain.   

But ye denied, the holy one  
A murderer to save:  
And eke killed, the Lord alone  
His life ye would not have.   

Which God hath raised, from the deed  
Whereof we witness can:  
Through faith in his, name confirmed  
His name upon this man.   

Whom ye did see, and know also  
When faith in him did rise:  
Which faith hath given, this man unto  
His health before your eyes.   

Now dear brethren, I know that ye  
Have done this wicked deed:  
Through ignorance, as seemeth me  
Which did your rulers lead.   

But God before hand, he did utter  
And eke his prophets willed:  
To teach that Christ, the death should suffer  
Which he hath now fulfilled.   

Repent ye now, I say repent  
And turn to us this day:  
That all your sins, now evident  
May clean be done away.   

For when the time, of refreshing  
Shall come to us with speed:  
In presents of, the Lord and King  
Above all Kings in deed.   

And when God shall, him send the day  
Before preached to us:  
Unto you all, which is to say  
The Lord and Christ jesus.   

Which must have heaven, until all thing  
Which he hath spoken plain:  
By prophets sins, the first beginning  
Restored be again.   

For Moses to, the fathers said  
The Lord raise up will he:  
A Prophet, unto you for aid  
Much like even unto me.   

Him shall ye hear, and not control  
But in his words rejoice:  
The time will come, that every soul  
Which will not hear his voice   

Shallbe destroyed, without all doubt  
Which time will not be long:  
That all such shall, be clean throune out  
The people from among.   

The Prophets all, sins Samuel  
And thence forth hath always:  
Told of the truth, right passing well  
And eke spoke of these days.   

The Prophet's children, all are you  
That by the covenant came:  
To our fathers, which God did vou  
And said to Abraham.   

In thy seed shall, the kindreds all  
On earth be blessed in us:  
first unto you, God did up call  
His only son jesus.   

And him he hath, sent unto you  
Each one of you to bless:  
That every one, of you should now  
Turn from his wickedness.     


THE Apostles, were in prison cast  
They were to preach forbade:  
But they took them, to prayer fast  
Renouncing men for God.   

Trebel.  
When that the people, taught they had There came to them doubtless: Priests & ruler's as men nigh mad, And eke the Saducees, Whom it grieved that they should move, The people and them lead, That jesus Christ by power above, Should rise up from the dead.   

The Tenor.  
When that the people, taught they had, There came to them doubtless: Priests & ruler's as men nigh mad, And eke the Saducees, Whom it grieved that they should move, The people and them lead: That jesus Christ by power above Should rise up from the dead, should rise up from the dead.   

Mean.  
When that the people, taught they had There came to them doubtless▪ Priests and ruler's, as men nigh mad, as men nigh mad, And eke the Saducees, Whom it grieved, that they should move The people and them lead, That jesus Christ, by power above, Should rise up from the dead, from the dead.   

Basse.  
When that the people taught they had There came to them doubtless: Priests & Rulars as men nigh mad, as men nigh mad, And eke the Saducees Whom it grieved that they should move, The people and them lead: That jesus Christ by power above Should rise up from the dead, from the dead.   


WHen that the people, taught they had  
There came to them doubtless:  
Priests & rulers, as men nigh mad  
And eke the Saducees.   

Whom it did grieve, that they should move  
The people and them lead:  
That jesus Christ, by power above  
Should rise up from the dead.   

And they laid hands, on them straight way  
And put them all aside:  
In prison fast, till the next day  
For it was then eventide.   

But those that heard, the word even then  
believed out of hand:  
The numbered then, of those won men  
Was well nigh five thousand.   

And it chanced, the next day was  
Each ruler and Elder:  
The Scribes Annas, and eke Cayphas  
john and alexander.   

And eke all those, that were with them  
There of the high priests kin:  
Then gathered at, jerusalem  
Where they were then brought in.   

And when they stood, before the same  
They axed them saying:  
Show by whose power, or in whose name  
That you have done this thing.   

Peter full of, the holy ghost  
Said unto them right well:  
Ye rulers all, both lest and most  
And chief of Israel.   

If we this day, must testify  
Of the good deed and dole:  
Dealt to the sick, man and eke by  
What means he is made whole.   

Be it well known, to them that list  
And ye that rulers be:  
That in the name, of jesus Christ  
Of Nazareth work we.   

Whom ye have, crucified and slain  
God hath from death now raised:  
By whom this man, is whole certain  
The Lord therefore be praised.   

This is the chief stone cast a side  
Of you that builders be:  
Which in the chief place shall abide  
Of the corners say we.   

For neither is there, salvation  
In any saving he:  
Nor other name, there is not one  
Wherein made safe we be.   

When they beheld, the boldness then  
Of Peter and of john:  
And knew them both, unlearned men  
And lay people each one.   

They did much muse, and knew justly  
That they were with jesus:  
And did behold, the man stand by  
The which was healed new.   

Commanding them, to stand aside  
And from their counsel go:  
consulting there, and said provide  
With these men what to do.   

A wondrus sign, is done by them  
And eke is justly known:  
To all them in, jerusalem  
The thing abroad is blown.   

But that they shall, hence forth therefore  
No further noise the same:  
Let us charge them, to speak no more  
To no man in his name.   

They gave to them, commandment new  
That they should no man aid:  
To preach or teach, of their jesus  
But Peter and john said.   

If it be right, as ye think it  
In sight of God the Lord:  
Your words to keep, Gods to omit  
judge ye and so record.   

For we will speak, the truth even so  
Whereof we know the ground:  
They threatened them, and let them go  
No fault in them was found.   

The people also, praised God  
The lame away went round:  
Who was of age, full forty and odd  
Which was made whole and sound   

As soon as they, were then let go  
They to their fellows went:  
Expressing their, great pain and woe  
And eke imprisonment.   

By the high Priests, and Elders all  
And what to them they said:  
When they heard that, they loud did call  
And gave God thanks for aid.   

And said thou Lord: thou God of bliss  
Mad'st heaven and earth for us:  
The sea and all, that there in is  
By whom David said thus.   

Why did the heathen, fume and fret  
What rage in them now springs  
Why did the juishe, people set  
Their minds upon vain things.   

The Kings and Rulers, did persist  
In wicked council long:  
Against the Lord, and his son Christ  
Which he sent us among.   

For of a truth, against the Lord  
Whom thou anointed haste:  
Herod, Pilate, with one accord  
Held with the gentiles fast.   

The people eke, of Israel  
Increased more and more:  
To do what thy, hands and council  
Determined before.   

Now Lord behold, their threatening sword  
And grant to thy elect:  
With confidence, to speak thy word  
Good Lord do us protect.   

So that thine hand, stretch forth that same  
Healing and signs to us:  
That we do wonders in the name  
Of thy dear son jesus.   

As soon as they, had prayed anon  
The place began to shake:  
They were full of, the holy one  
The word boldly they spoke.   

The multitude, that did believe  
Were of one spirit and heart:  
Each one to other still did give  
In comen they did part.   

And with great power, they did witness  
The resurrection all:  
Of jesus Christ, yea and doubtless  
Great grace on them did fall.   

Not one among, them all did lack  
For who had house and land:  
Sold all and did, keep nothing back  
To have in his own hand.   

They laid all down, at the feet than  
Of thapostles in deed:  
Distributing to every man  
According to his need.   

joses who was, of an old won  
Of thapostles each one:  
Called Barnabas, which is the son  
Of Consolation.   

A Levite borne, would not do ill  
Had land and eke sold it:  
And laid the price, down with good will  
At the Apostles feet.     

The Contents.  

ANANIAS untruth was known  
And his wives to their shame:  
Thappostles were, in prison thrown  
Rejoicing in the same.   

Mean.  
A certain man, who was named Ananias truly: With Saphira his wife framed, Unto the Lord a lie. Who selling then a piece of land, Kept back part of the price: The which his wife did under stand, They wrought with one ad vice.   

counter-tenor.  
A certain man who was named A na ni as truly: With Saphira his wife framed, Unto the Lord a lie, Who selling then a piece of land, Kept back part of the price, The which his wife did understand, They wrought with one advice.   

Tenor.  
A certain man who was named A na ni as truly: With Saphira his wife framed, Unto the Lord a lie, Who selling then a piece of land Kept back part of the price, the which his wife did un derstand, They wrought with one advice, with one advice, they wrought.   

Basse.  
A certain man, who was named A na ni as truly: With Saphira his wife framed, Unto the Lord a lie. Who selling then a piece of land, Kept back part of the price The which his wife, did understand, did under stand, they wrought with one advice, they.   


A Certain man, who was named  
Ananias truly:  
With Saphira his wife framed  
Unto the Lord a lie.   

Who selling then, a piece of land  
Kept back part of the price:  
The which his wife, did understand  
They wrought with one advice.   

The other part, then laid down was  
At the Apostles fit:  
And Peter said, Ananias  
By what means chanceth it.   

That Satan hath, filled thine heart  
To cause thee thus to lie:  
U●to the holy, ghost and part  
Of thy livelihood deny.   

Pertained it not, to thee that hour  
And after it was sold:  
Was not the part, in thine own power  
That thou dost now withhold.   

How chanceth it, that thou shouldest then  
Thus bring thyself to woe:  
Thou hast not lied, only to men  
But unto God also.   

And when he was, truly thus tried  
His doings was abhorred:  
He straight gave up, the ghost and died  
For trifling with the Lord.   

Great fear than came, upon each head  
That this did hear and see:  
The young men rose, up and him lead  
Where he should buried be.   

And it chanced, within the space  
Of three hours this was done:  
His wife not knowing came in place  
Appearing there right soon.   

And Peter said, to her tell me  
Sold ye the land for this:  
And she right soon, to him said ye  
I have said as it is:   

Then Peter said, I will record  
That ye did both consent.  
To tempt the spirit, of God the Lord  
As it is evident.   

Behold the feet, of them that have  
buried thy make this day:  
Be ready to, put thee in grave  
Then she fell dead straight way.   

The young men then, came in and found  
Her dead lying at hand:  
They bore her forth, and in the ground  
Laid her by her husband.   

And therewith came, on them great fear  
That saw this done of right:  
Even on all those, that then were there  
To see that fearful sight.   

By the Apostles hands was wrought  
Right strange and wondrus things  
Among the people, which then sought  
To hear their good tidings.   

With one accord, they all were gone  
To praise their Lord and King:  
With in the porch, of Solomon  
And that with thanks giving.   

Of tother sort, there was not one  
Durst join himself them to:  
And yet of them, some long had gone  
To learn the best to do.   

The numbered of, those men that did  
Believe the Lord his lore:  
Men and women, God be praised  
Increased more and more.   

That in so much, they brought bedsteades  
For sick in to the streets:  
And some were laid, in standing beds  
And eke some in palletes.   

That at the least, Peter might come  
nigh to them that lay there:  
When he came by, to shadow some  
Of them that sore sick were.   

There came also, a multitude  
From cities round about:  
To jerusalem, to seclude  
sickness from them through out.   

And such as were, vexed even there  
With unclean spirits each one:  
Were brought to them, than every where  
And were made whole anon.   

The chief priest then, rose up certes  
And all that with him were:  
Which is the sect, of Saducees  
Who then did stamp and steer.   

Of thapostles, not one went quite  
In prison they were set:  
The angel of, the Lord by night  
Them out of prison let.   

And brought them forth, & eke said than  
Go step forth and speak rife:  
With in the Temple, to every man  
The words now of this life.   

When they heard that, they with good will  
Into the temple went:  
Soon in the morn, for to fulfil  
The lords commandment.   

The chief priest came, and they that were  
With him in that forenoon:  
And called council, to them there  
To know what might be done.   

Then of the children, of Israel  
The elders were also:  
Of them that sat, there in council  
And bade some for them go.   

When they then went, to them that had  
The prison then in cure:  
They did return, as men nigh mad  
Shut was the prison sure.   

The keepers standing at the door  
To wait upon their charge:  
And yet of them, they had no poor  
God had set them at large.   

When the chief priest, and he that is  
Even of the temple chief:  
And eke the high pristes, heard of this  
They mused with much grief.   

Then came one forth, and said behold  
Those that in prison were:  
Stand in the church, and are full bold  
To teach the people there.   

The ruler went, with diligence  
And ministers of trust:  
Which brought them with, out violence  
For they feared the worst.   

Lest that the people, should them stone  
And so their purpose fail.  
They brought them secretly alone  
Before the whole counsel.   

The chief priest said, to them at large  
Be ye not worthy blame:  
Sith that we did, you straightly charge  
Not to teach in this name.   

Behold he said, then unto them  
The Lord of your jesus:  
Hath filled all, jerusalem  
To bring his blood on us.   

Peter and john, they could not stay  
But boldly said even then:  
We ought of right, God to obey  
Before you that are men.   

The God of our, fathers raised  
jesus our help to be:  
Whom ye have slain, and eke hanged  
Unjustly on a tree.   

God raised him, with his right hand  
To save such as repent:  
That Israel, might understand  
His mercy to them sent.   

And we be records of this cost  
Concerning our comfort:  
And eke also, the holy ghost  
Given to the loyal sort.   

They hearing that, their wrath did swell  
And sought means them to slay:  
Then stood up one, of their council  
An ancient pharisee.   

Who was named, gamaliel  
A doctor of the law:  
amongs them all, he did excel  
Of whom they stood in awe.   

He▪ did command, to put aside  
Thapostles then straight way:  
That none of them, should there abide  
To hear what he would say.   

Ye men of Israel, take heed  
Beware what ye intend:  
Against these men, or ye proceed  
Mark what will be the end.   

Before these days, one Theudas  
Arose with brag and boast:  
Four hundred men, then slain there was  
There gathered in his host.   

And all the rest, that there abode  
That unto him had sought:  
Were scattered here, and there abroad  
And straight way brought to nought.   

And after that, arose a man  
judas of Galilee:  
When tribute first, with them began  
Men thinking to be free.   

So that much people to him drew  
Which was to their decay:  
For death to him, did then enseu  
He slain they fled away.   

And now I say, refrain you then  
And let these men alone:  
For if their counsel, be of men  
It will decay anon.   

But if it be, of God certain  
Ye can it not deface:  
But shallbe found, to strive in vain  
And fight against God's grace.   

And then to him, they did agree  
And called the apostles all:  
They beat them all, none did scape free  
Such chance to them did fall.   

And gave to them, commandment new  
When they had beat them so:  
To speak no more, of their jesus  
And then they let them go.   

From that council, they did departed  
Rejoicing in the same:  
That they might bide, such pain & smart  
Only for Christ his name.   

And in the temple, the did teach  
The truth plain to discus:   

In every house, still they preach  
The Lord, and Christ jesus,     


DEACONS appointed, to the board  
To minister at their need:  
And the Apostles, to the word  
Steven was accused in deed.   

Mean.  
In those days as, the number plain, Of the disciples   

Tenor.  
In those days as, the number plain, Of the disciples   

counter-tenor.  
In those days as, the number plain Of the disciples   

Bassus.  
In those days as the number plain, Of the does ci bless   

Mean.  
grew, A grudge arose, and grief certain, That daily did renew, Amongst the greeks a-   

Tenor.  
grew, Agrudge arose and grief certain, That daily did renew A 'mongst the greeks, a-   

counter-tenor.  
grew, A grudge a rose and grief certain, That daily did renew, Amongst the greeks against   

Basse.  
grew, A grudge a rose and grief certain, That daily did renew, Amongst the greeks against   

Mean.  
'gainst Thebrues their widows despising, Would not allow but them refuse, in daily mi ni▪ string.   

Tenor.  
'gainst Thebrues their widows despising, Would not allow but them refuse, In daily mini string In   

counter-tenor.  
Thebrues their widows despising, Would not allow, but them refuse, in   

Bassus.  
Thebrues, their widows despising, Would not allow, But them refuse In daily minidaylye ministering. daily mi ni string.   


IN those days as, the numbered plain  
Of the disciples grew:  
A grudge arose, & grief certain  
That daily did renew.   

Amongst the Greeks, against Thebrues  
Their widows despising:  
Would not allow, but them refuse  
In daily ministering.   

The twelve called, the multitude  
Of the disciples all:  
Together then, they did conclude  
And said to great and small.   

It is not meet, that we should slake  
And from God's word to swerver:  
Nor that we should, ourselves betake  
The tables for to serve.   
daily ministering, ministering. string, In daily ministering.  

Wherefore brethren, among you seek  
Seven men of honest fame:  
Full of the spirit, and wisdom eke  
To take in hand the same.   

But we ourselves, will still apply  
Not caring for the board:  
To pray and preach, continually  
And minister the word.   

Unto these words, of good effect  
agreed both jest and most:  
And faithful Steven, was then elect  
Full of the holy Ghost.   

Philip Prochor, and Permenas  
With Nican did approach:  
So did Simon, and Nicolas  
Convert of Antioch.   

Before thapostles in their state  
Not weighed by goods or lands:  
But after prayer, were approbate  
By laying on of hands.   

The word of God, increased wyed  
The numbered than was such:  
That the disciples multiplied  
With in jerusalem much.   

Their former life, they did repent  
And so did many, a priest:  
Which then became, obedient  
Unto the faith of Christ.   

And Steven then full, of faith and power  
Great wonders showed he:  
So that the people every hour  
Strange miracles might se.   

Out of the synagogue did leap  
Some sects of hypocrites:  
The lybertins, one sect we clepe  
Another Syrenyttes.   

Likewise of Alexandria  
And men both more and even:  
Of Cilice and of Asia  
Disputed still with Steven.   

The spirit they could, not overcome  
So God did him advance:  
With great knowledge, & high wisdom  
such was then his utterance.   

They sent in men, his words to try  
Which came and said doubtless:  
We heard him speak, blasphemuslye  
Against God and Moses.   

And they did move, the people there  
The Scribes and elder sort:  
With force to bring, him in danger  
By means of false report.   

Before the council, they him brought  
And matters did devise:  
As false witness, had then out sought  
Which was nothing but lice.   

And said this man, will not refrain  
Blasphemus words to sound:  
This holy place, he doth disdain  
Our law thus confound.   

Thus he in effects, with poison breath  
Our faith for to deface:  
And saith jesus, of nazareth  
Shall soon destroy this place:   

And so shall change, the ordinance  
That Moses gave to us:  
Which is to us, no small grievance  
By means of this jesus.   

The council then, in that their rage  
Did view him in their sight:  
And did behold, his fair visage  
Most like an Angel bright.     

The Contents.  

STEVEN to answer, doth not refuse  
To his accusers i'the:  
And doth rebuke the wicked jews  
They do him stone to death.   

Mean.  
Then said the chief priest is it so, Ye men and eke bre-   

Tenor.  
Then said the chief priest is it so, Ye men and eke bre-   

counter-tenor.  
Then said the chief priest is it so, Ye men and eke bre-   

Basse.  
Then said the chief priest is it so, Ye men and eke bre-   

Mean.  
therne, And all ye fathers hark unto, My words and then discern, There did appear to Abra-   

Tenor.  
therne, And all ye fathers hark unto, My words and then discern, There did appear to Abra-   

counter-tenor.  
therne, And all ye fathers hark unto, My words and then discern, There did appear to Abra-   

Bassus.  
therne, And all ye fathers hark unto, My words and then discern, There did appear e to Abra-   

Mean.  
ham, The God of great glory, before that he dwelled in Carran,   

Tenor.  
ham, The God of great glory before that he dwelled in Car-   

Contertenor.  
ham, The God of great glory, Be fore that he dwelled in   

Bassus.  
ham, The God of great glory, Be fore that he dwelled in Car-   

Mean.  
In Me so po ta my.   

Tenor.  
ran, In mesopotamy.   


THen said the chief, priest it is so  
Ye men and eke brethren:  
And all ye fathers hearken unto  
My words and then discern.   

There did appear, to Abraham  
The God of great glory:  
Before that he, dwelled in Carran  
In mesopotamy.   

And said to him, come out of hand  
From thy kin and country:  
Make haste and come, into the land  
Which I shall show to thee.    

counter-tenor.  
Carran In mesopotamy.   

Bassus.  
ran, In mesopotamy.   


Out of the land, then of Caldey  
Returned he with speed:  
The Lord's commandment to obey  
Dwelled in Carran in deed.   

Soon after ye, shall understand  
As his father was dead:  
He brought him then, into the land  
Where now your life ye lead.   

He gave him none, inheritance  
Not one foot breadth by name:  
But promised, he would advance  
Him to possess the same.   

Beside all this, yet nevertheless  
A promise he made free:  
Unto his seed, that to possess  
When yet no child had he.   

God without doubt, spoke on this wise  
His seed should dwell and sleep:  
With strangers, that should them despise  
And them in bondage keep.   

And so to scourge, them cruelly  
Four hundred years with rod:  
But yet those people, soon will I  
judge saith the living God.   

And after that, I will them plant  
To serve me every where:  
And then he gave, him the covenant  
Of circumcision there.   

And he begat, I sake right soon  
And did him circumcise:  
At the eight day, it was so done  
And I sake in likewise.   

Begat jacob, all this is sure  
And right well known of clerks:  
How that jacob, by the scripture  
Begat twelve patriarchs.   

The patriarchs, then in their rage  
joseph to Egypt sold:  
From all distress, in that voyage  
God did him then with hold.   

And gave him grace, and great wisdom  
In Pharos sight the Ring:  
Who did appoint, him in great room  
To rule in every thing.   

Then came a dearth, in all the land  
Egypt and Canaan:  
Thereof the grief, could not withstand  
Lacking the food of man.   

Our fathers in, their scarcity  
Having no sustenance:  
In Egypt heard, that corn should be  
jacob made puruiaunce.   

And first sent out, even his sons own  
The second time also:  
To his brethren, joseph was known  
And they eke to Pharo.   

Then joseph would, his father dear  
As he had well foreseen:  
And all his kin, to be brought near  
Three score souls and fifteen.   

joseph to Egypt descended  
And our fathers even them:  
Which died and were, all translated  
Each one into Sichem.   

And were put in, the sepulcor  
That Abraham bought free:  
For coin of thee, sons of Emor  
In Sichem laid to be.   

And when the time, of promise drew  
nigh which that God had sworn:  
To Abraham, the people grew  
In Egypt that were borne.   

until another King arose  
Which not of joseph knew  
Full craftily, the same did gloze  
Our kindred to subdue.   

And did entreat, our father's ill  
And made them cast out plain:  
Their children young, their lives to spill  
That none should there remain:   

And in that time, borne was Moses  
A fair child in God's sight:  
Which in his fathers, house doubtless  
Three months was fed a right.   

And then cast on, the water deep  
The daughter of Pharo:  
Did take him up, and did him keep  
For her own son also.   

He was well seen, in the wisdom  
Of the Egyptians guise:  
Right strong in deeds, he did become  
And in his words right wise.   

When he of age, was forty year  
Then in his heart did dwell:  
A love to seek, his brethren dear  
Children of Israel.   

And when he saw, one suffer wrong  
Even of his brethren dear:  
Him to defend, he bode not long  
As ye shall after here.   

He did Thegipcian overthrow  
That did his brother smite:  
Thinking his brethren, well to know  
And understand a right.   

That God the Lord, even by his hand  
Their safety should prepare:  
Which none of them, did understand  
The story doth declare.   

The next day then, he did asspire  
To stay them in their strife:  
To make them friends, was his desire  
In love to lead their life.   

And said to them, with words right wise  
Sith each is others brother:  
The fonder is, the enterprise  
For one to hurt another.   

But he that did, his neighbour wrong  
Thrust him away saying:  
Who made thee ruler, us among  
To rule in every thing.   

I well perceive, thou wilt me kill  
As thou didst yesterday:  
The Egypcian, his blood to spill  
And so make me away.   

At those words Moses, fled anon  
As he thought best to do:  
Into the land, of Madion  
Where begat sons two.   

When forty years were passed away  
An Angel did record:  
In wilderness, of mount Sinaye  
To him from God the Lord.   

With in a flame, of burning fire  
Which lighted in a bush:  
And caused Moses, to draw near  
To see that fiery flush.   

And as he drew, nigh to behold  
The voice of God down came:  
Which said to him, with words full bold  
Thy father's God I am.   

I am the God, of Abraham  
The Lord unto him said:  
Isacke and jacobs', God I am  
Which Moses sore dismayed   

He trembled and, durst not draw near  
Such fear on him did fall:  
Then said the Lord, now Moses here  
And mark what say I shall.   

Put of thy shoes, even out of hand  
Let it be done with speed:  
The ground whereon, thy feet do stand  
Is holy ground in deed.   

Right perfectly, I do now see  
The heaviness appear:  
Of my flock that, in Egypt be  
And eke their groaning cheer.   

And I am come, them to defend  
And save for ever more:  
Wherefore behold, I do thee send  
Into Egypt therefore.   

This is Moses, to whom they said  
Who made the here a ruler:  
The same God sent, to them for aid  
To rule and eke deliver.   

Even by the hands, of the Angel  
Which in the bush did light:  
The same brought them, out passing well  
And showed strange things in sight.   

In Egypt wonders, did appear  
And in the red see fleet:  
In wilderness, men saw things clear  
Full forty years complete.   

This is Moses, the which did tell  
And also make report:  
To the children, of Israel  
These words of much comfort.   

A Prophet shall, the Lord for ye  
Raise up right good and just  
Even of your brethren, like to me  
Him shall ye hear and trust.   

And in the congregation  
This Moses was doubtless:  
And heard the voice, of God alone  
Even in the wilderness.   

Which then did talk, assuredly  
With th'angel of the Lord:  
Upon mount Sinai, certainly  
Our fathers doth record:   

The word of life, received he  
To give to us was sent:  
Our fathers would, in no wise be  
To him obedient.   

But thrust him from, them with despite  
Their hearts turned echeone:  
Into Egypt, to go with might  
And said unto Aron.   

Make gods for us, both more and les  
For we can not discus:  
What is become, of this Moses  
That from Egypt brought us.   

To make a Calf, this was their choice  
And offered sacrifice:  
Unto the same, and did rejoice  
In that their own device.   

Then turned God, from them truly  
And gave them up with threats:  
To worship stars, with in the sky  
Foresaid of the prophets.   

O ye the house, of Israel  
Gave me your Sacrifices:  
Meat offerings forty years to tell  
With in the wilderness.   

Soon did ye take, and not defer  
The tabernacle than:  
Of Moloch ye, and eke the star  
Of your great God Remphan.   

Figures to whom, oft ye did vow  
And worship them each one:  
Wherefore I will, translate all you  
Beyond great Babylon.   

The tabernacle, our fathers had  
Within the wilderness:  
As he appointed and them bad  
Speaking unto Moses.   

That he should make, it according  
As he before did see:  
The which our father's receiving  
Brought in with joshua.   

Into the land, of the gentiles  
Which God drove out and chid:  
Before our fathers as exyls.  
Till the time of David.   

Which favour found, with God the Lord  
desiring then that he:  
Might sinned an house, of meet accord  
For jacobs' God to be.   

An house for him, built Solomon  
But yet the highest I ken:  
Dwelthe not in temples, made of stone  
Wrought by the hands of men.   

As he declareth, by his wrst  
The Prophet saying this:  
Heaven is my seat, where on I sit  
The earth my foot stole is.   

What house then will, ye me behest  
Saith God tell you I shall:  
Which is the place, then of my rest  
Hath not my hand made all.   

Ye stiff neckte all, both least and most  
With hearts and ears ye seek:  
Still to resist, the holy Ghost  
As did your fathers eke.   

The prophets all, your father's lore  
Needs persecute them must:  
And eke slew them, which taught before  
The coming of the just.   

Whose murderers, and traitors now  
Ye are and to them knit:  
The Angels gave, the law to you▪  
And ye have not kept it.   

When they heard this, great was their grief  
Their hearts did cleave in two:  
gnashing on him, even with their tethe  
And knew not what to do:   

He was full of, the holy ghost  
His eyes to heaven did stand:  
Which saw the glory, of the Lord  
And Christ on his right hand.   

And said behold, the heavens I see  
Appear for my livelihood:  
And eke the son, of man to be  
At the right hand of God.   

Then they cried out, with roaring voice  
And stopped their ears and breathe:  
Thus in their rage, they took their choice  
And stoned him to death   

The witnesses, their clothes down laid  
Then at a man's feet even:  
Whose name was Saul, which then assayed  
With them to stone good Steven.   

Which cried and said, Lord Christ jesus  
receive my spirit this day:  
He kneeled down, all this is true  
And on this wise did say.   

Say not this sin, Lord to their charge  
Thus he did call and clepe:  
Of that their sin, them to discharge  
And so he fell a sleep.     

The Contents.  

HOW Philip came to Samary  
Simon the which did fain:  
Philip did baptize willingly  
Eunuch the chamberlain.   

Mean.  
The death of Steven did Saul comfort Who did a gre with them That would have slain the godly   

Tenor.  
The death of Steven did Saul comfort Who did a gre with them That would have slain the godly   

counter-tenor.  
The death of Steven did Saul comfort who did a gre With them That would have slain the godly   

Basse.  
The death of Steven did Saul comfort who did a gre with them That would have slain the godly   

Mean.  
sort, Then at je ru salem scattered they were both far and nigh, And through the regions   

Tenor.  
sort, Then at je ru salem, scattered they were both far and nigh, And through the regions   

Contertenor.  
sort, Then at je ru salem scattered they were both far and nigh, And through the regions   

Bassus.  
sort, Then at je ru salem, Scattered they were both far and nigh, And through the regions   

Mean.  
crept, Of Jury and of Samary, The twelve only except.   

Tenor.  
crept Of jury and of Samary, The twelve only except.   


THe death of Steven did Saul comfort  
Who did agree with them:  
That would have slain, the godly sort  
Then at jerusalem.   

Scattered they were, both far and nigh  
And through the regions crept:    

counter-tenor.  
crept Of jury and of Samary, The twelve only except.   

Bassus.  
crept, Of Jury rye and of Samary the twelve only except.   


Of jury and, of Samary  
The twelve only except.   

devout there were, that dressed Steven  
Of whom stones broke each limb:  
Besides their ointments, to him given  
They did weep over him.   

But of the congregation than  
Saul spared no man's life:  
But sought the house, of every man  
And drew out man and wife.   

In prison fast, he did them place  
But those that went about:  
Did preach the word, of life and grace  
Even as they went throughout.   

And Philippe came, a city to  
Which was of Samary:  
And preached Christ, as he to do  
Had power given from an high.   

The people then, with one accord  
His words right well out sought:  
In that they saw, that God the Lord  
Strange things by him had wrought.   

For unclean spirits, with coring voice  
Came out of sundry men:  
That were possessed, and had no choice  
But called on Philip then.   

The palseyes he, did heal also  
And thereof was not coy:  
The halt he healed, that could not go  
In whom became great joy.   

A certain man, there was whose name  
Was Simon truth to tell:  
Which here tofore, the very same  
In witchcraft did excel.   

who the people, bewycht tofore  
That dwelled in Samary:  
And eke report, he could do more  
Great things miraculously.   

He was had in, great reverence  
Of all that there abode:  
Which said no doubt, he doth commence  
The mighty power of God.   

Because of his, continuance  
By him they set much buy:  
He mocked them, and did advance  
Himself with sorcery.   

When Philipes words, they did well view  
Who taught of God's kingdom:  
And in the name, of Christ jesus  
baptized they did become.   

Simon himself, did then believe  
And baptized was also:  
Abiding still, by Philipes' sleeve  
And would not from him go.   

But wondered much, then to behold  
The signs that he did see:  
And miracles, so manifold  
By Philip done to be.   

Thapostles hearing, that were glad  
Then at jerusalem:  
That Samary, received had  
The word of God to them.   

And sent Peter, and john aright  
To them in to that cost:  
Who when they came, prayed that they might  
receive the holy Gost.   

Which was as yet, on them not come  
That should them all renew:  
baptized they were, both all and some  
Only in Christ jesu.   

Then did they lay, their hands right soon  
On them both jest and most:  
And each man did, when that was done  
receive the holy ghost.   

When Simon did, behold and see  
By hands that they did lay:  
The holy ghost, receive might he  
He offered them money.   

And said also, give me this power  
On whom my hands shall lie:  
He may receive, even in that hour  
The holy ghost there by.   

Then Peter said, whose words abhorred  
Thy goods now perish with thee:  
That thinkest the gifts, of God the Lord  
With goods well gotten he.   

Thou hast no part, nor fellowship  
In this our business:  
Thy heart away, from God doth slip  
Repent thy wickedness.   

And pray to God, thy thoughts may fall  
That in thy heart now be:  
For thou art full, of bitter gall  
Wrapped in iniquity.   

Then Simon said, for this my mis  
life up your hearts with me:  
And pray to God, that none of this  
Unto my charge laid be.   

And when that they, had testifyde  
And taught the word to them:  
They did return, that time and tide  
Unto jerusalem.   

And they did preach, the Gospel still  
In Cities as they went:  
Through Samary, as was the will  
Of him that had them sent.   

The angel of, the Lord did say  
To Philip and him lead:  
Arise and go, towards midday  
Unto the way with speed.   

That goeth down from, jerusalem  
To Gaza in desert:  
And he arose, and went on then  
Even with a loving heart.   

And now behold, a man certain  
Of Ethiopia:  
Which was a noble Chamberlain  
Then coming from Gaza.   

He had the rule, of great Substans  
Even with the Queen Candace:  
Queen of the Ethiopians  
Her treasurer he was.   

jerusalem fain he would get  
Only therein to pray  
He homeward red, in his Chariot  
Of the prophet Isaiah.   

The spirit of God, to Philip said  
Go near to yonder man:  
And join thyself, to him for aid  
And Philip to him ran.   

He saw the book, then in his hand  
And heard him on it read:  
And said dost thou, now understand  
What thou dost read in deed.   

The Chamberlain, the truth did tell  
And said he well espied:  
He could not understand it well  
Except he had a guide.   

Of Philip then, full fain he waxed  
And would him to draw near:  
And sit with him, to plain the text  
That he of him did here.   

The Tenor of, the text certain  
Was this that he did say:  
He as a sheep, led to be slain:  
And as a Lamb down lay.   

Before his shearer, with meekness,  
His mouth not once unsparde:  
Because of that, his humbleness  
They did him not regard.   

Who shall declare, and eke exspound  
His generation plain:  
His life is taken, from the ground,  
Then said the Chamberlain.   

I pray the friend, be thou content  
To open if thou can:  
The prophet's words, by himself mean  
Or by sum other man.   

Philip opened, his mouth so pure  
The truth then to discus:  
And did begin, the same scripture  
And taught him Christ jesus.   

And as they went, still on their way  
A water he did spy:  
The Chamberlain, to him did say  
see here this water buy.   

What shall me let, baptized to be  
Then Philip to him said:  
If thou believe, with heart right fire  
Thou mayst not be denayed.   

He answered him, I do believe  
That Christ is God his son:  
Willing the Chariot, not to move,  
Till that good work were done.   

They with good will, went down both twain  
And in the water were:  
Both Philip and, the Chamberlain  
Whom Philip baptized there.   

This done they did, come out again  
The spirit of Godly lore:  
Took Philip from, the chamberlain  
He could see him no more.   

Then on his way, he passed thus  
Rejoicing in his heart.  
And Philip was found, at Azotus  
The people to convert.   

And he did walk, the country still  
preaching continually:  
In all their cities, taught until  
He came to Cesarye.     

The Contents.  

PAUL is converted to the Lord  
The jews he do the confound:  
Tabythas life, Peter restored  
When she lay dead on ground.   

ij. parts in one.  
Saul breathing out threatenings abroad, the faithful to resist, Against the lect of   

Tenor.  
Saul breathing out threatenings abroad, The faithful to resist Against the   

Contertenor.  
Saul breathing out threatenings abroad, The faithful to resist against the lect of God the   

Bassus.  
Saul breathing out threatenings abroad, The faithful to resist Against th'elect of God the   

Mean.  
God the Lord, went unto the high priest, And earnestly did him desire, his letters to grant   

Tenor.  
lect of God the Lord, went unto the high priest, And ere nest lie did him de sire, his letters   

counter-tenor.  
Lord, went unto the high priest And earnestly did him desire, his letters to grant out   

Bassus.  
Lord, went unto the high priest, And earnestly did him desire, his letters to grant   

Mean.  
out, Unto damasco co to inquire, the synagogues About.   

Tenor.  
to grant out, unto Damascus to inquire the Synagogues about   


SAule breathing out, threatenings abroad  
The faithful to resist:  
Against the lect, of God the Lord  
Went unto the high priest.   

And earnestly, did him desire  
His letters to grant out:    

counter-tenor.  
un to Dam mass co to inquire, the Synagogues about.   

Bassus.  
out, Unto Damascus to inquire, the Synagogues about.   


Unto Damascus to inquire  
The synagogues about.   

To find such as, on Christ believes  
Man or woman of them:  
That he might bring, them bound as thieves  
Unto jerusalem.   

But as he went, and was come nigh  
Damascus for this thing:  
He was beset, then suddenly  
With light from heaven shining.   

And straight unto, the earth fell he  
And heard a voice record:  
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me  
He said what art thou Lord.   

Then said the Lord, jesus I am  
Whom thou dost toss and torn:  
It will be hard, for thee mad man  
Against the prick to sporne.   

He trembling then, said on this wise  
Lord what wilt thou I do:  
And then the Lord, bade him arise  
The city go in to.   

And there it shall, be told to thee  
Men hearing there this noise:  
Amazed were, that no man see  
But heard a certain voice.   

And Saul arose, then from the ground  
His eyes he then opened:  
And saw no man, but heard the sound  
Of such as him then led.   

Who brought him then, to Damascus  
Three days his sight was blank:  
He saw no light, great was his woe  
He neither eat nor drank.   

A certain disciple, there was  
That at Damascus lay:  
Who was named, Ananias  
The Lord to him did say.   

Ananias, work mine advice  
Here Lord he did repeat  
And then the Lord, bade him arise  
And go into the street.   

Which street is called straight in deed  
And further more, do thus  
In judas house, look thou with speed  
For one Saul of Tharsus   

Behold he prayeth, and he hath seen  
A vision brought to pas:  
Wherein appeared, as it had been  
The man Ananias.   

Who as he thought, to him drew near  
To help his heavy plight:  
And by his hands, as might appear  
He should receive his sight,   

Then answered he, the Lord direct  
And made of Saul complaints:  
How he had dealt, with his elect  
In jury that were saints.   

And here he hath, authority  
From the high priests to stay:  
And bind all those, that call on thee  
The Lord to him did say.   

Go on thy ways, and do these things  
For he is given to me:  
To bear my name, before all kings  
And where the gentiles be.   

And eke children, of Israel  
For I will him betake  
To suffer great things, passing well  
Only for my name's sake.   

Ananias, went on his way  
And unto Saul drew near:  
And eke his hands, on him did lay  
And said Saul brother dear.   

The Lord that did, appear to thee  
In the high ways so bright:  
Hath sent me now, to make thee see  
Wherefore receive thy sight.   

The holy ghost, shall thee suffies  
And fill thee with good tales:  
And then fell things, down from his eyes  
Like as they had been scales.   

He did receive, his sight certain  
So did he then baptism:  
And eke did eat, his meat again  
Which did well comfort him.   

And certain days, Saul would not go  
But kept with the elect:  
Which than abode, at Damascus  
The faith there to erect.   

Saul preached Christ, with heart right fire  
The synagogues did use:  
Anouching Christ, God's son to be  
That all much did muse.   

Some said is not, this man the same  
That lately spoiled them:  
Which then did call, on Christ his name  
Even at jerusalem.   

And also came, for this intent  
If any such he found:  
Before thigh priest, them to convent  
And eke to bring them bound.   

But Saul in strength, increased so  
The jews he did resist:  
Which then did dwell, at Damascus  
affirming very Christ.   

Within a while, Saul preaching still  
Whose words abroad were blown:  
The jews took, council him to kill  
The which to Saul was known.   

They did lay wait, both day and night  
And on the gates did watch:  
Full cruelly, against all right  
His life then to dispatch.   

But the disciples, knowing all  
Their purpose then to tell:  
By night they put, him through that wall  
Down in a great basket.   

When he came to, jerusalem  
Disciples being there:  
He said to join, himself to them  
But they did him much fear.   

And scarcely would, believe that God  
This thing in him had wrought:  
But Barnabas that there abode  
Him to thapostles brought.   

And did declare, to them also  
That seen the Lord he had:  
In the high way, as he did go  
And what the Lord him bad.   

And how he had, right boldly done  
The synagogues throughout:  
In preaching Christ, to be God's son  
Damascus round about.   

And then he had, the company  
Of them with right good will:  
And in the city, taught boldly  
The name of jesus still.   

And he did speak, and eke dispute  
Even with the Greeks certain:  
He stoutly stood, them to confute  
And they would him have slain.   

But when the brethren did espy  
They would have slain him thus:  
They brought him unto Cesarye  
And sent him to Tharsus.   

Then did the congregation lie  
Through jewry all at rest:  
And Galilee, and Samary  
Were edified and blessed.   

The fear of God, they did support  
In each country and cost:  
They multiplyd, in the comfort  
Even of the holy ghost.   

And it chanced, as Peter went  
And of all countries felt:  
The Lord unto, the saints him sent  
Which then at Lidda dwelled.   

A man he found, of heavy there  
Whose name was Aeneas:  
The which had kept, his bed viii year  
Sick of the Palsy was.   

Aeneas then, did Peter say  
Christ jesus comfort thee:  
Arise and make, thy bed straight way  
And then arise did he.   

And all Lidda, and Assaron  
Of this doth bear record:  
Which saw the man, and there upon  
Did turn unto the Lord.   

There was a woman, at joppa  
A disciple she was:  
Whose name was called, Tabytha  
Which is to say Dorcas.   

Full of good works, she was always  
And eke in alms tried:  
It chanced so, even in those days  
That she was sick and died.   

When they had washed, her certainly  
And in her Chamber laid:  
Because Lidda, was joppa nigh  
Then the disciples said.   

That Peter was, then at Lidda  
And sent one to report:  
That their desire, was to joppa  
He should to them resort.   

Peter arose, and quickly sought  
For them that Dorcas kept:  
Into the Chamber, they him brought  
Where all the widows wept.   

And showed such coats, as she did make  
And also did convert:  
Unto their use, for Christ his sake  
And Peter said departed.   

He kneeled down, and eke did pray  
And on the dead did cry:  
Tabytha now, arise I say  
And she life up her eye.   

And when she saw, Peter th●re stand  
Herself she did up raise:  
And then he took, her by the hand  
And life her up straight way.   

Unto the saints, and widows than  
A live he brought her out:  
And it was known, unto all men  
In joppa round about.   

And many that, were them among  
believed then each where:   

And he abode, in joppa long  
With Simon Tanner there.     

The contents.  

HOW Peter saw, the vision plain  
And then the Lord sent him:  
To Cornelye the good Captain  
The Heathen receive Baptym.   

Mean.  
Then was there one Corn li-   

Tenor.  
Then was there one Corn li-   

counter-tenor.  
Then was there one Corn li-   

Basse.  
Then was there one Corn li-   

Mean.  
us, which dwelled at Cesarie, A Captain good and gracius, of those of I ta-   

Tenor.  
us, which dwelled at Cesarye, A Captain good and gracius, of those of I ta-   

counter-tenor.  
us, which dwelled at Cesarye A Captain good and gracious, of those of I ta-   

Bassus.  
us, which dwelled at Cesarye A Captain good and gracius, of those of I ta-   

Mean.  
lie, Devout he was, and God did fear So did his family,   

Tenor.  
lie, Devout he was, and God did fear, So did his family, In alms great and   

counter-tenor.  
lie, Devout he was and God did fear So did his family In alms great and in   

Bassus.  
lie, Devout he was, and God did fear, So did his family, In all mes   

Mean.  
In alms great and in prayer abode conti nu all lie.   

Tenor.  
in prayer abode continually continually.  

THen was there one, Cornelius  
Which dwelled at Cesarye:  
A Captain good, and gracius  
Of those of italy.   

Devout he was, and God did fear  
So did his family:  
In alms great, and in prayer  
Abode continually.    

counter-tenor.  
in pray er abode, continually, Continually.   

Bassus.  
great and in prayer and in prayer abode continually.   


Unto his sight, God did bewray  
His angel glorius:  
About the ninth, hour of the day  
Which said Cornelius.   

Who looked up, him to behold  
And was afraid certain:  
He said how Lord, may I behold  
To know the matter plain.   

The angel said, then in that place  
Thine alms and prayers all:  
Did come before, the throne of grace  
When thou to God didst call.   

Wherefore to joppa, send anon  
Some trusty messenger:  
And bid him call, for one Simon  
Whose surname is Peter.   

In Simon tanner's, house he is  
Lodged by the sea side:  
Who shall thee teach, the word of bliss  
Wherein thou shalt abide.   

And when the angel, that spoke thus  
Departed was and gone:  
Then straight way did, Cornelius  
Two servants call upon.   

And eke a devout, sougyer  
On him that did attend:  
He told his mind, and for Peter  
To joppa did them send.   

Then on the morn, they rose right soon  
And went fast on their way:  
But Peter went, about high noon  
Up in a fit to pray.   

When hunger did, move him to eat  
wishing for sustenance:  
While they for him, prepared meat  
He fell into a trance.   

And saw the heaven, then cleave in twain  
A vessel down did glide:  
And to his sight, appeared plain▪  
A sheet both large and wide.   

The corners knit, having therein  
Fourfoted beasts full fair:  
Worms of each sort, also vermin  
And eke fowls of the air.   

There came a voice, to him and said  
Rise Peter kill and eat:  
But Peter then, as one dismayed  
Began thus to entreat.   

And said no Lord, that I refuse  
It were sin as I mean:  
For I in meat, did never use  
Things common or unclean.   

The voice than spoke, the second time  
And said of this be sure:  
What God doth cleanse, is void of crime  
Make thou it not unpure.   

This was done thrice, in his presence  
The truth to tell you plain:  
The vessel then, did vanish thence  
Up in to heaven again.   

When Peter thus, was in great doubt  
What this should signify:  
Behold the men, that were sent out  
From captain Cornelye.   

inquired where, Simon did dwell  
Before the door standing:  
desiring one, to them to tell  
Where was Peter's lodging.   

While Peter in, his mind did muse  
What this strange sight might be  
The spirit to him, these words did use  
Behold these men seek thee.   

Arise and do, thyself prepare  
To go with them an end:  
And have no doubt, nor yet no fear  
For I to thee them send.   

Then Peter to, the men down went  
And said lo I am he:  
Hath any man, you to me sent  
What is your will with me.   

They said captain, Cornelius  
A just man without blame:  
Which feareth God, most gracius  
Of good report and fame.   

Among the people, of the jews  
Was warned by an angel:  
To send for thee, to hear good news  
Of Gods most holy Gospel.   

Into the house, with good intent  
He did them lead to hostage:  
The next day then, forth Peter went  
With them even in their viage.   

And certain brethren, of joppaye  
Did bear him company:  
So did they all, on the third day  
Come unto Cesarye.   

Cornelius then, with his kindred  
And friends especial:  
Whom he together had called  
Waited for Peter all.   

And as Peter, by chance came in  
The Captain did him meet:  
In presence of his, friends and kin  
Fell down at Peter's feet.   

To worship him, then at a brayed  
Cornelius then began:  
But Peter took, him up and said  
Stand up I am a man.   

So Peter led, him forth with talk  
until he entered in:  
Where he did find, much people walk  
And then he did begin.   

And said to them, ye know before  
That heavy is the danger:  
For us the jews, by Moses' lore  
To join with a stranger.   

But yet the Lord, hath showed to me  
That I should call no more:  
No man unclean, what so he be  
I doubted not therefore:   

To come as soon, as you did send  
To know what it might be:  
I ask you now, therefore the end  
And cause ye sent for me.   

It is now said, Cornelius  
About four days a go:  
Since that I was, much desirous  
To fast and pray also.   

Then in my house, at the ninth hover  
As I was there praying:  
Behold one stood, of mighty power  
By me in bright clothing.   

He said to me, Cornelius  
Thy prayer is accept:  
Thy alms deeds, are precius  
And in remembrance kept.   

Before the face, of God always  
Which is our God alone:  
Therefore with speed, send to joppaye  
And call for one Simone.   

Whose surname, is called Peter  
At Inn he doth abide:  
And lodge with Simon the tanner  
Not far from the sea side.   

When he cometh, he shall plainly  
Do thee to understand:  
What is my will, and then did I  
Send for thee out of hand.   

It is well done, that thou art come  
For we are here present:  
Before the Lord, both all and some  
To hear his commandment.   

With open mouth, Peter said then  
From truth I will not wave:  
Before the Lord no sorts of men  
pre-eminence can have.   

But all such as, feareth his grace  
And worketh rightwiseness:  
With his mereye, he doth embrace  
Accepting more and les.   

The word that God, to Israel  
Through jesus Christ did send  
He is the Lord, ye know right well  
In every coast and end.   

How it was than, bruited among  
The jews in each country:  
But first of all, how that it sprung  
Even out of Galilee.   

After john's baptism, and preaching  
God with his holy breath:  
And strength anointed priest and King  
jesus of nazareth.   

Which went about, and much good did  
To those that were in pain:  
From Satan's force, he did them rid  
God was with him certain.   

Of all he did, the jews until  
And in their chief Cite:  
We witness are, whom they did kill  
And hanged upon a tree.   

Whom God did raise, the third day next  
And show him openly-  
Not to all men, as saith the text  
But unto us only.   

Whom God did chose, to bear witness  
Which feed with meat and bread:  
And drank with him, alive doubtless  
Arisen from the dead.   

And us to preach, commanded he  
And to instruct each head:  
That God appointed, him to be  
A judge of quick and dead.   

The Prophets all, witness with fame  
That all believers wins:  
Through his merits, and holy name  
Remission of their sins.   

While Peter yet, these words did tell  
That God did him afford:  
The holy ghost, on them all fell  
That hearkened to the word.   

The faithful people, of the jews  
Which Peter with him led:  
Amazed were, sore at those news  
When that God's spirit was shed.   

And powered on, the heathen sort  
Whom they without delay:  
With divers tongues, heard make report  
Of God's high praise always   

At that time Peter did answer  
May any man us let:  
Or else forbid, but that water  
Among us may be fet.   

To baptize these, both lest and most  
Which here in presence be:  
Endewde now with, the holy ghost  
To grace as well as we.   

And to prepare, these to Baptym  
He charged them straight ways  
Then in God's name, they moved him  
To tarry there few days.     


AND Peter doth, declare the cause  
Why he to the heathen went:  
Paul Barnabas, doth preach the lause  
Of him that then them sent.   

Mean.  
Thappost les and brethren were   

Tenor.  
Thappostles and brethren were   

Contertenor.  
Thappostles and brethren were   

Bassus.  
Thapposltes and brethren were   

Mean.  
glade, Through out je ru salem, to hear the heathen received had, The word of God to   

Tenor.  
glad, Throughout je ru salem, To hear the heathen received had, The word of God to   

counter-tenor.  
glade, Through out je ru salem To here the heathen received had the word of God to them,   

Bassus.  
glad, Throughout je ru salem, To hear the heathen received had, The word of God to them,   

Mean.  
them, When Peter to je ru salem, Came to his journeys end,   

Tenor.  
them, When Peter to jeru salem, Came, to his journeys end, They of the cir-   

counter-tenor.  
When Peter to je ru salem, Came to his journeys end, They of   

Basse.  
When Peter to je ru salem, Came to his journeys end, They of the   

Mean.  
They of the cir cumci sion with him did then contend.   

Tenor.  
cum ci sion, With him did then contend contend.  

Thapostles and brethren were glad  
Throughout jerusalem:  
To hear the heathen, received had  
The word of God to them.   

When Peter to, jerusalem  
Came to his journeys end:  
They of the circumcision  
With him did then contend.    

The counter-tenor  
the cir cumci si on with him did then contend.   

Bassus.  
circum ci si on with him did then contend.   


And said of late, thou wentst into  
Thuncircumsyde in deed:  
With them to eat, which thing to do  
Our law hath not decreed.   

Peter began, then to debate  
The things as they did chance  
And said I was, in joppa late  
praying and in a trance.   

As I in deed, plainly had seen  
A vessel descending:  
A large white cloth, as it had been  
From heaven then down coming   

Let down it was, by corners four  
And so it came to me:  
Within the which, when it came lower  
Mine eyes plainly might se.   

Fourfoted beasts, that seemed fair  
Uermen and worms there laid:  
And also fowls, out of the air  
A voice to me then said.   

Peter arise, slay thou and eat  
And I said Lord, God shield:  
For in my mouth, came never meat  
Then common or yet defiled.   

And then the voice, did answer me  
From heaven with good accord:  
Count not those things, unclean to be  
That cleansed hath the Lord.   

Three times this thing, was brought about  
As I have showed you plain:  
And all things was, without all doubt  
Up take to heaven again.   

And then behold, immediately  
There came to me three men:  
The which were sent, from Caesaria  
Only to seek me then.   

And then the spirit, to me did say  
Do thou thyself prepare:  
To go with them, forth on their way  
And have thereof no fear.   

Moreover then, six brethren went  
In company of us:  
Unto the house, of him that sent  
Which was Cornelius:   

How he had seen, he showed to us  
The angel of the Lord:  
Which said to him, Cornelius  
To joppa send thou word.   

To Simon Peter, one of mine  
Who shall tell words to thee:  
Whereby that thou, and eke all thine  
No doubt shall saved be.   

And then as I, began to preach  
The spirit on them fell thus:  
As did on us, when we did teach  
The Lord and Christ jesus.   

Then in my head, I did record  
Great things that I then weighed:  
Which were the words, of God the Lord  
That he in deed had said.   

john with water, he did baptize  
But ye shall baptized be:  
Even with the spirit, that is right wise  
Within few days trust me.   

Then forasmuch as God did give  
To them as unto us:  
When we did first, preach and believe  
The Lord and Christ jesus.   

What was I then, that I should cease  
And eke the Lord deny:  
When they heard that, they held their peace  
And God did glorify.   

And said also, that God had sent  
The Gentiles even the same:  
Their former life, then to repent  
believing in his name.   

Those that before, abroad were driven  
Through persecution strong:  
The which arose, about good Steven  
From place to place went long.   

until they came, to Phenices  
cypress and Antioch:  
Unto the jews, both more and les  
Only they did approach.   

And eke of cypress there were some  
And of Siren also:  
To Antioch, when they were come  
Unto the Greeks did go.   

And preached then, the Lord jesus  
Whose hand with them abode:  
A great numbered, believed us  
And turned unto God.   

Of these things tidings came anon  
Unto the ears of them:  
That were the congregation  
Then at jerusalem.   

And they sent forth, one Barnabas  
To Antioch in peace:  
When he came there, right glad he was  
To see the faith increase   

Exhorting them, not once to start  
Sith God had them restored:  
Unto his grace, that they with heart  
Should cleave unto the Lord.   

Right good he was, even from his youth  
Full of the spirit and faith:  
Much people he, unto the truth  
Did win the story saith.   

Then Barnabas, to Tharsus sought  
To see Saul there approach:  
Upon whose sight, right soon he brought  
Him unto Antioch.   

And it chanced, that one whole year  
They kept together still:  
Even with thee, congregation there  
And taught the Lord his will.   

That in so much, th'elect that were  
At Antioch even then:  
Were those in deed, that first did bear  
The name of Christian men.   

In those days from, jerusalem  
The Prophets came to us:  
To Antioch, and one of them  
Was named Agabus.   

Which by the spirit, than signified  
Great dearth should then succeed:  
And that throughout, the world so wide  
Which came to pass in deed.   

In Claudius' days, the Emperor  
Thelect themselves did bind:  
Each man according to his power  
Some succour then to send.   

Unto the brethren, in jury  
Which thing they brought to pass  
And sent unto, the Elders buy  
Saul and eke Barnabas.     

The contents.  

HERODE doth persecute Christ's flock  
And doth slay james in deed:  
In prison he, doth Peter lock  
The worms Herode doth feed.   

Mean.  
And in that time Herode the King, He did his hands let slip, To trouble men of good lie-   

Tenor.  
And in the time Herode the King, He did his hands let slip, To trouble men of good living,   

counter-tenor.  
And in that time Herode the King, He did his hands let slip, To trouble men of good lie-   

Bassus.  
And in that time Herode the King, He did his hands slip, To trouble men of good lie-   

Mean.  
ving, And Godly fe lowshyp, He did slay james john's brother dear, Even with the sword in   

Tenor.  
ving, And Godly fe lowshyp, He did slay james john's brother dear, Even with the sword in   

counter-tenor.  
ving, And godly fe lowshyp, He did slay james john's brother dear, Even with the sword in   

Bassus.  
ving, And god lie fe lowshyp, He did slay james john's brother dear, Even with the sword in deed   

Mean.  
deed, Because the jews well pleased were He further did pro cede.   

Tenor.  
deed, Because the jews well pleased were be cause the jews well pleased were he further did proceed.   

counter-tenor.  
deed, Because the jews well pleased were he further did proceed.   

Bassus.  
deed, Because the jews well pleased were, He further did proceed.   


ANd in that time, Herode the king  
He did his hands let slip:  
To trouble men, of good living  
And godly fellowship.   

He did slay james, john's brother dear  
Even with the sword in deed:  
Because the jews, well pleased were  
He further did proceed.   

It was the days, then of sweet bread  
And he caught Peter fast:  
With violence, void of all dread  
In prison did him cast.   

delivering him, a charge gave he  
Unto quarternions four:  
Of soldiers there, then kept to be  
Till that the feast were over.   

Intending then, once easter past  
That out he should be brought  
But Peter was, in prison fast  
Till God for him had wrought   

Then prayer was made, without ceasing  
Of all the godly men:  
Unto the Lord, out him to bring  
Of that foul filthy den.   

When Herode would, have had him seen  
And brought before the rout:  
The same night Peter, slept between  
Two soldiers stowre and stout.   

Bound with two chains, in lodging poor  
And so he fell a sleep:  
The keepers standing at the door  
The prison fast to keep.   

Behold the angel, of the Lord  
Was present in that tide:  
The lodge to light, he then restored  
And smote on Peter's side:   

And stirred him, who lay in bands  
And said arise unbewrayde:  
And then the chains, fell from his hands  
The Angel to him said:   

Gird thou thyself, and have no dread  
Thy Sandales bind on thee:  
Thy mantel cast, on thee with speed  
And then come follow me.   

He followed him, and made no dene  
And wilt not what done was:  
But as a vision, he had seen  
Which th'angel brought to pass   

When they the first, watch did frustrate  
The second watch also:  
They came unto, the iron gate  
That goth the city unto.   

Which opened by, the own accord  
They passing through by night:  
And then the Angel, of the Lord  
From Peter vanished quite.   

When Peter to, himself came well  
He said I know and see:  
That God hath sent, me his Angel  
Which hath delivered me.   

Out of the hands, of king Herod  
And all his whole counsel:  
And from the jews, I thank my God  
That never did me fail.   

And as he thought, this thing upon  
To Mary's house did go:  
Which was the mother, of one john  
And called Mark also.   

Where divers were, gathered to pray  
There Peter knocked with speed:  
A damsel came forth, to hear say  
Named Rhoda in deed.   

And when that she, knew Peter's voice  
The door she did let pass:  
She ran in fast, and did rejoice  
To tell where Peter was.   

Declaring plain, that heard she had  
Him speak in the entry:  
And then they said, that she was mad  
But she said it was he.   

Then said they all, it may betide  
His angel there to be:  
But Peter still, did there abide  
And eke still knocked he.   

And when they had, opened the door  
Where Peter then did stand:  
They were astonished, rich and poor  
But he held up his hand.   

And willed them, to hold their peace  
And showed them what was past▪  
How that the Lord, did him release  
Where he in chains lay fast.   

And he said then, go show this thing  
To james and, brethren eke:  
And he went thence, before day spring  
Another place to seek.   

Assoon as it, was fair light day  
The soldiers made great moan:  
Each one to other, began to say  
How is this man thus gone.   

When Herode then, for him did call  
And nought of him heard say:  
He did examine, the keepers all  
Commanding them away:   

And he descended, from jewrye  
To Cesarye anon:  
With them of Tire, he was angry  
And with them of Sidon:   

And they came all, then to obtain  
By intercession than:  
To Bassus made, his chamberlain  
desiring peace each man.   

Because their country, where they fed  
Chiefly by him did stand:  
And they and theirs, were norishedde  
Only by Herodes land.   

Upon a day, appointed well  
Herode himself made neat:  
In fine and royal, apparel  
And set him on his seat.   

To them gay words, than spoke Herod  
The people than did shout:  
And said he speaks, more like a God  
Then like a man no doubt.   

The angel then, immediately  
Did strike him with God's rod:  
Because he did, not give the glory  
Unto the living God.   

The worms of him, took their repast  
And he gave up the ghost:  
The word also increased fast  
And grew in every coast.   

Then Barnabas, and Paul went soon  
Unto jerusalem:  
When they their office, had well done  
And took john Mark with them.     

The Contents.  

PAUL Barnabas, did God prefer  
And did the heathen teach:  
And eke against, the socerer  
At Antioch did preach.   

Mean.  
At Antioch there did remain among the flock of Christ: some prophets & some teacher's   

Tenor.  
At Antioch there did remain among the flock of Christ▪ some prophets & some teacher's   

counter-tenor.  
At Antioch there did remain among the flock of Christ: some prophets and some teachers   

Bassus.  
At Antioch there did remain among the flock of Christ: some prophets & some teachers   

Mean.  
plain sent from the Lord most highest, As Bar nabas Simon Niger and lucy of Si-   

Tenor.  
plain sent from the Lord most highest, As Barnabas Simon Niger and lucy   

Contertenor.  
plain sent from the Lord most highest, As Barnabas Simon Niger and lucy of Siren, The   

Bassus.  
plain sent from the Lord most highest, As Barnabas Simon Niger and lucy of Si-   

Mean.  
rene, The Tetracks nurse, fellow was there whose name was Manahen.   

Tenor.  
of Siren The Tetracks Nurse, fellow was theridamas whose name was Manahen,  

AT Antioch, there did remain  
Among the flock of Christ:  
Some prophets, and some teacher's plain  
Sent from the lord most highest.   

As Barnabas, Simon Niger  
And lucy of Siren:    

counter-tenor.  
Tetracks nurse, fellow was there whose name was Manahen.   

Bassus.  
ren, The Tetracks Nurse, fellow was there whose name was Manahen.   


The Tetracks nurs, fellow was theridamas  
Whose name was Manahene.   

And also Saul, was there in place  
Who as they ministered:  
And eke did fast, and pray for grace  
God's spirit on them was shed.   

Which did command, & to them said  
Send Barnabas and Saul:  
To work the work, before them laid  
Whereto I did them cawl.   

Then did they fast, and also pray  
As they were wont to do:  
And eke their hands, on them did lay  
And then they let them go.   

And by God's spirit, when they were sent  
They came to Seleucye:  
From thence did sail, so that they went  
To Cyprus' directly.   

And when they came, to Salomine  
In the church of the jews:  
Their hearts and minds, they did incline  
To preach them there good news.   

To serve with them, there for a while  
They had one john by name:  
And when they had, gone through the isle  
To Paphos than they came.   

A sorcerer there, of them was found  
A false prophet a Jew:  
Whose teaching was, not sure ne sound  
His name was Bariesu.   

With Sergius Paul, a man prudent  
Which ruled the whole country:  
With all his train, he did frequent  
Familiar then to be.   

The same ruler, to him did call  
And willed to come near:  
Both Barnabas, and also Paul  
Of them gods word to here.   

But Elymas, the sorcerer  
So they declare his name:  
Did will the ruler, to forbear  
To faith himself to frame.   

Saul named Paul, then in that cost  
Full fervent at a bray:  
Who was full of, the holy Ghost  
Beheld him then and said.   

O full of all, subtylitye  
And eke disceytfulnes:  
The devils child, and enemy  
To grace and rightwiseness.   

Thou dost not cease, still to pervert  
By damnable discord:  
But dost always pluck from man's heart  
The straight ways of the Lord.   

And now behold, thou man unkind  
The lords hand is on thee:  
And for a time, thou shalt be blind  
The Sun thou shalt not se.   

Immediately, then for his pride  
Upon his eyes did stand:  
A mist that made, him seek a guide  
To lead him by the hand.   

The ruler then, did see the case  
And not thereat repine:  
But mused much, and did embrace  
The Lord and his doctrine.   

When Paul from Paphus, took shipping  
And all his company:  
Forth on their way, they went sailing  
To Perge of Phamphilye.   

To see his friends, john was right fain  
And did departed from them:  
And so returned, whom again  
Unto jerusalem.   

They wandering there, went from Perga  
And soon they did approach:  
The land then of, Pisydia  
And came to Antioch.   

Into the synagogue they went  
Upon the sabbaths day:  
And sat them down, with good intent  
No man did say them nay.   

But when the lecture, of the law  
And prophets there were done.  
The ruler then, which there them saw  
Said unto them right soon.   

Good brethren now, we do you pray  
The people to exhort:  
If any sermon, ye can say  
To them for their comfort.   

Then Paul stood up, there in presence  
And beckoned with his hand:  
He prayed them all, to keep silence  
God's word to understand.   

He said ye men, of Israel  
And ye that God do fear:  
And all that here, among you dwell  
I pray you give good care.   

God of this people, did elect  
Our fathers us before:  
advancing them, that were reject  
As foreigners far borne.   

In Egypt land, both day and night  
In bondage they did dwell:  
The Lord then with, his arm of might  
Did bring them out right well.   

And forty years, he did them spare  
In all their wickedness:  
To punish them, he did forbore  
With in the wilderness.   

Seven nations then, in Canaan  
He wasted well I wots:  
Parting the land, to every man  
According to his lot.   

Then to the time, of Samuel  
The judges gave truly:  
Among them there, years for to dwell  
Four hundredth and fifty.   

And after that, a king to crave  
They would not cease ne blyn:  
The son of Cis, Saul God them gave  
Of the tribe of Beniamyn.   

Twice twenty years, he beware the crown  
No longer reigned he:  
For God the Lord, did put him down  
And his posterity.   

He set up David, to be king  
And ruler in his place:  
And did report, of him saying  
David I do embrace.   

One Jesse's son, whom I have found  
A man jentell and kind:  
He is to me, both sure and sound  
To fulfil all my mind.   

Of this man's seed, a saviour  
The promise thus doth tell:  
God hath brought forth, jesus the flower  
And king of Israel.   

But after john, had run his race  
He said I am not he:  
I mean Messiah, full of grace  
Whom ye take me to be.   

But lo one doth, come after me  
Whose shoes upon his feet:  
Of such highness, and dignity  
To lose I am unmeet:   

Ye men brethren, and children all  
Of Abraham by descent:  
To you that fear, God great and small  
This word of life is sent.   

The dwellers in, jerusalem  
The rulers well I wots:  
And all such then, as were with them  
In deed they knew him not.   

The prophets voice, that were read  
Each Saboth them among:  
With such blindness, than were they led,  
They could take then but wrong.   

And though of death, they found no cause  
In him most innocent:  
The Prophecies, in every clause  
Were ended as they meant.   

In denying him, to mortal fate  
They did them all fulfil:  
When they made suit, to Pons Pilate,  
This innocent to kill.   

Then all things done, in each degree  
As scripture would it have:  
They took his body, from the tree  
And laid it in the grave.   

God raised him, on the third day  
From death to life certain:  
He showed himself, without delay,  
When he was risen again.   

And many times, appeared he  
Full lively unto them:  
That went with him, from Galilee  
Unto jerusalem.   

Which are his witness, to each sort  
Appointed of the Lord:  
And we also, to your comfort  
God's promise do record.   

Which to our fathers, he did frame  
How God to their offspring:  
fulfilled hath, in Christ the same  
From death him reviving.   

The second Psalm, recordeth plain  
Thou art my son sayeth he:  
The father sayeth, this day certain  
I have begotten thee.   

In that he raised, him anon  
From death nothing dismayed  
No more to see, corruption  
On this wise than he said.   

The favour grace, and eke good will  
That I David did vow:  
Full faithfully, I shall fulfil  
And perform it to you.   

Therefore he sayeth, in the like place  
Thy son the holy on:  
Thou shalt not suffer, in no case  
To see corruption.   

As for David, his time did keep  
To serve gods will truly:  
And after that, falling a sleep  
Was laid his father buy.   

His Cors did waste, and putrify  
But God his son did he:  
Make quick again, and certainly  
Did no corruption se.   

Know ye therefore, ye brethren all  
Through him ye may purchase:  
Which is preached, to great and small  
forgiveness of trespass.   

And from all things, full sure to be  
Acquitted and made sure:  
Which Moses law, in no degree  
Could cleanse be ye right sure.   

But who so that, will give credence  
And in the faith abide:  
Through him is clear, from all offence  
And also justified.   

Beware therefore, I do you read  
And keep ye from the lake:  
Lest those things fall, upon your head  
Whereof the prophets spoke.   

Ye despisers, behold and muse  
At your destruction now:  
For in your time, a work defuse  
I work even unto you.   

Which in no wise, ye shall believe  
Who so of it you tell:  
The which is wrought, you for to grieve  
Because ye do rebel.   

When that the jews, were all forth gone  
Out of their holy place:  
The gentiles them, besought anon  
To preach the word of grace.   

And them to teach, through out the week  
Between the Saboth days:  
What means & ways, that they might  
To please the Lord always.   

Their holy congregation then  
So ended Luke recites:  
On them did wait, there many men  
Both jews and Procelytes.   

To these good men, that did abide  
Spoke Paul and Barnabas  
Exorting them, not once to slide  
From God ne from his grace.   

The Saboth day, than next following  
The city whole well near:  
Together came, much desiring  
Gods holy word to hear.   

But when the jews, saw such a rout  
They were full wrath I dame:  
Reviling Paul, with words fulstoute  
Beginning to blaspheme.   

But Barnabas, and Paul was bold  
And said it doth behove:  
God's word to you, first to be told  
Which sent is from above,   

But sith ye do, it now deny  
avoiding it with strife:  
And think yourselves, now unworthy  
Of everlasting life.   

And eke the word, so precious  
Ye take for craft and guiles:  
Lo here the Lord, hath willed us  
To turn unto the gentiles.   

I have set thee, to be a light  
The gentiles for to guide  
And them to save, as I behight  
Throughout the earth so wide.   

The gentiles then, offered this grace  
Of it they were full fain:  
God's word with thanks, they did embrace  
believing it certain.   

And those that God, had ordained  
To everlasting life:  
Abode in faith, the word did spread  
Throughout the country rife.   

Wherefore the jews, them did abhor  
And moved without pity:  
The women of, worship and honore  
The chief men of the city.   

Against poor Paul, and Barnabas  
And would without offence:  
A persecution brought to pas.  
expelling them from thence.   

Out of that coast, when they needs must  
To go they made them meet:  
And for a witness, shaken the dust  
Against them of their feet.   

And they came to, Iconium  
Accept of least and most:  
And Gods elect, were all becum  
Full of the holy ghost.     

The contents.  

Thapostles at Iconium  
Did preach with good advice:  
The people would, both all and some  
To them do sacrifice.   

iiij. parts in ij.  
It chanced in Iconium As   

Tenor.  
It chanced in Ico ni 'em As they oft   

Contertenor.  
It chanced in I co nium As they oft▪   

Bassus.  
It chanced in I co nium As they oft times did   

Mean.  
they oft times did use together they into did come the Synagogue of jues, where they did preach   

Tenor.  
times did use together they into did come the Synagogue of jues, Where they did   

The counter-tenor  
times did use together they into did come the synagogue of jues, Where they did preach and one-   

Bassus.  
use together they in to did cum the Si na goge of jues where they did preach   

Mean.  
and only seek gods grace then to achieve that they so spoke to Jew and   

Tenor.  
preach and on lie seek God's grace then to achieve that they so spoke to   

counter-tenor.  
lie seek God's grace than to achieve That they so spoke to Jew and Greek That   

Bassus.  
and only seek God's grace than to achieve That they so spoke to Jew and   

Mean.  
greek That many did believe, be leave.   

Tenor.  
Jew and Greek That many did believe.  

IT chanced in, Iconium  
As they oft times did use:  
Together they, into did come  
The synagogue of jews.   

Where they did Preach, and only seek  
God's grace then to achieve:  
That they so spoke, to jew and Greek  
That many did believe.    

counter-tenor.  
many did be leave believe.   

Bassus.  
Greek That many did believe believe.   


But then the jews, of unbelief  
The gentiles on did call:  
And stirred their minds, to much mischief  
Against the brethren all.   

And they long time, did there persist  
God's word still to record:  
And quit themselves, boldly in Christ  
By help of God the Lord.   

¶ Which then, gave testimony unto  
The word even of his grace:  
And caused them, great things to do  
Which by their hands took place.  
¶ The people did, themselves divide  
As they were then affect:  
Sum from the jews, would never slide  
Nor sum from Christ's elect.  
¶ When that the jews, & gentiles would  
Assault make them upon:  
Their rulers wrought, all that they could  
By counsel them to stone.  
¶ Whose council known, they made no host  
But fled unto Lystra:  
And Derba cities, of the cost  
Of Licaonia.  
¶ And eke unto, the region  
That lieth there round about:  
And preached Christ, to every one  
And his Gospel through out.  
¶ There sat a man, of little mirth  
At Lystra, lame of feet:  
A trepell was, even from his birth  
And never walked yet.  
¶ Who heard Paul preach, the story saith  
And Paul beheld the man:  
And did perceive, that he had faith  
To be made whole even then.  
¶ Paul said to him, with cheerful voice  
Upon thy feet up stand:  
And he start up, and did rejoice  
And walked out of hand.  
¶ And when the people, did behold  
What Paul had done that day:  
With mighty voice, they were full bold  
To brute these things and say.  
¶ Now in the speech, of our country  
Gods are come down us to:  
In likeness now, of men ye see  
And what strange things they do.  
¶ And Barnabas, they called thus  
The name of jupiter:  
And called Paul, Mercurius  
Because he was preacher.  
¶ And then the priest, of jupiter  
Bystyrd both feet and hands:  
Which dwelled before, the City there  
Brought oxen and garlands.  
¶ To the church porch, and did advise  
The people and them call:  
With him then to, do Sacrifice  
To Barnabas and Paul.  
¶ But when Thappostles, herd their knacks  
They might it not abide:  
But rend their clothes, then on their backs  
And ran with them to chide.  
¶ They cried and said, unto them then  
Why have ye done thus now:  
For we are both, but mortal men  
In all points like to you.  
¶ And we do preach, you verities,  
That lies might be abhorred  
To turn you from, these vanities,  
Unto the living Lord.  
¶ Who made the heavens, & eke the lands  
That they should still be his:  
He made the sea, even with his hands  
And all that in them is.  
¶ Which in times past, even in those days  
Did suffer and permit:  
Each man to walk, in his own ways  
Given up to his own wit.  
¶ Nevertheless, his heavenly wits  
Left witness to declare:  
In that he showed his benefits  
From heaven rain to prepare.  
¶ And fruitful seasons, gave at will  
To us both more and les:  
And in the end, our hearts did fill  
With food and great gladness.  
¶ And all these words, would scarce entice  
The people to forbear:  
But that they would, do Sacrifice  
Unto them both even there.  
¶ And certainly, jews did there approach  
The which did even then cum:  
Immediately, from Antioch  
And from Iconium.  
¶ And got the people, to consent  
With stones Paul's blood to shed  
And through the city, they him rend  
Thinking he had been deed.  
¶ And yet as thee, disciples stood  
About him to lament:  
He did arise, and for his food  
Into the city went.  
¶ And he abode, there all that night  
Even unto the next day:  
Then Barnabas, and he a right  
To Derby took the way.  
¶ And in that City, they did preach  
While they did there sojourn:  
To all men jesus, Christ did teach  
And then they did return.  
¶ To Lystra and, Iconium  
To Antioch and there:  
Strengthened the souls, of all and sum  
That there disciples were.  
¶ exhorting them, not to relent  
But in the faith remain:  
Affirming that, through much torment  
We must to heaven attain.  
¶ And they then by, election  
Ordained elders there:  
In every, congregation  
By fasting and prayer.  
¶ That God to them, his grace might send  
To work his will most Just  
And thus to God, did them commend  
In whom they put their trust  
¶ And they went through, Pisidia  
And taught the people still:  
And came unto, Pamphilia  
Their calling to fulfil.  
¶ And when they had, declared plain  
God's word then in Perca:  
They did descend, forth with again  
Into Attalia.  
¶ From thence by ship, they all sailed  
To Antioch a pace:  
From whence they were, delivered  
To God and to his grace.  
¶ Who had them long, preserved still  
From cruel men and mad:  
Even by his grace, to work his will  
Which they fulfilled had.  
¶ When they were come, and to one stead  
The congregation brought:  
There was rehearsed by each man's head  
That God by them had wrought.  
How he the door, of faith untyde  
The gentiles in to call:  
And there long time, they did abide  
With the disciples all.     

Imprinted at London by Nycolas Hill, for William Seres.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.