A03619:39
An apology made by the reverend father and constant martyr of Christ John Hooper…An apologye made by the reuerende father and constante martyr of Christe Iohn Hooper…
An apology made by the reverend father and constant martyr of Christ John Hooper late bishop of Gloucester and Worcester against the untrue and slanderous report that he should be a maintainer and encourager of such as cursed the Queens highness that then was, Queen Marye. Wherein thou shalt see this godly mans innocency and modest behaviour: and the falsehood and subtlety of the adversaries of Gods truthAn apologye made by the reuerende father and constante martyr of Christe Iohn Hooper late bishop of Gloceter and Worceter againste the vntrue and sclaunderous report that he should be a maintainer and encorager of suche as cursed the Quenes highnes that then was, Quene Marye. Wherein thou shalte see this godlye mannes innocency and modest behauioure: and the falsehode and subtyltye of the aduersaryes of Gods truth
printed by John Tisdale, 1562printed by Iohn Tisdale, 1562
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
¶The copy of the letter whereby Master hooper was certified of the taking of a Godly company in bow churchyard at prayer.
¶The copy of the letter wherby Master hooper was certyfyed of the takinge of a Godlye companye in bowe churcheyarde at prayer.
MY duty humbly remembered, you hear (I know) of a godly company imprisoned which were taken upon new years night: yet notwithstanding for as much (perhaps) as you know not perfectly how nor wherefore, you shall understand that being upon their knees in ending of prayer (wherein they gave god thanks, prayed for the magistrates & estates of the realm and required things necessary at his bountiful hands) two of my Lord chancellors men (as I am informed) came first into that chamber where they were in bow churchyard & immediately afterwards followed. M. sheriff with others, who commanded them all to stay in the king & queens majesties name, whereunto they humbly obeyed: ⟨image 23⟩for they came not thither weaponed to conspire or make any tumult, but only like Christians, Christianly to pray and too be instructed in the vulgar tongue by the reading and hearing of Gods word, as their conscience did enforce them (without the displeasure of God) to do. For (as you well know) there is nothing so grievous too the patient in this world, as the gnawing and biting worm of a troubled conscience, being accused by God's law, for the wilful transgressing of the same: as by experience we know by judge Hales: who contrary to the knowledge of Gods word, consented to the wicked traditions of the papists, Which although in name they would be of the holy church, and preachers of the gospel of Christ: yet in fact and deed do they dissent from the same, and most detest that godly society: as by the cruel handling of the Christians by the prelates at this present it doeth evidently appear. Therefore (I say) that they might ⟨image 23⟩(without the offence of God) quietly pray together as they be taught by his word, there assembled a Godly company together to the number of xxx, divided and sent to both the counters, where at commandment they yet remain. And with master Chambers, master Monger, and the rest in the counter at Bread Street, I was yesterday: who (god be thanked) be strong and do rejoice, that for well doing they are imprisoned: Not doubting but ye as god hath vouchsafed to accept them worthy to sustain imprisonment for his sake so he will strengthen them rather to suffer death, then to deny his truth. As the Lord knoweth, who assist you with his holy spirit that unto the end you may persevere in his truth: