N20568:4828
The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of martyrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of marytrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].
New-York: printed by William Durell, 1794
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.
TO my dear brother and reverend fellow elder in Christ, John Hooper, grace and peace. My dearly beloved brother and fellow elder, whom I reverence in the Lord, pardon me I beseech you, that hitherto since your captivity and mine, I have not saluted you by my letters: whereas I do indeed confess, I received from you (such was your gentleness) two letters at sundry times: but yet at such time as I could not be suffered to write to you again; or if I might, yet was I in doubt how my letters might safely ⟨p. 453⟩come into your hands. But now, my dear brother, forasmuch as I understand by your words, which I have but superficially seen, that we thoroughly agree and wholly consent together in those things which are the grounds and substantial points of our religion, against which the world so furiously rageth in these our days, howsoever in time past by certain bye-matters and circumstances of religion, your wisdom and my simplicity (I grant) hath a little jarred, each of us following the abundance of his own sense and judgment; now, I say, be you assured, that even with […] whole heart, God is my witness▪ in the bowels of Christ I love you in the truth and for the truth's sake, which abideth in us, and, as I am persuaded, shall by the grace of God, abide in us for evermore. AND because the world, as I perceive, brother, ceaseth not to play his pageant, and busily conspireth against Christ our Saviour, with all possible force and power, exalting high things against the knowledge of God; let us join hands together in Christ, and, if we cannot overthrow, yet to our power, and as much as in us lieth, let us shake those high altitudes, not with carnal, but with spiritual weapons; and withal, brother, let us prepare ourselves to the day of our dissolution, by the which, after the short time of this bodily affliction, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall triumph together with him in eternal glory. I pray you, brother, salute in my name your reverend fellow prisoner, and venerable father, D. C. by whom, since the first day that I heard of his most godly and fatherly constancy, in confessing the truth of the gospel, I have conceived great consolation and joy in the Lord. For the integrity and uprightness of that man, his gravity and innocency, all England, I think, hath known long ago.
TO my dear brother and reverend fellow elder in Christ, John Hooper, grace and peace. My dearly beloved brother and fellow elder, whom I reverence in the Lord, pardon me I beseech you, that hitherto since your captivity and mine, I have not saluted you by my letters: whereas I do indeed confess, I received from you (such was your gentleness) two letters at sundry times: but yet at such time as I could not be suffered to write to you again; or if I might, yet was I in doubt how my letters might safely ⟨p. 453⟩come into your hands. But now, my dear brother, forasmuch as I understand by your words, which I have but superficially seen, that we thoroughly agree and wholly consent together in those things which are the grounds and substantial points of our religion, against which the world so furiously rageth in these our days, howsoever in time past by certain bye-matters and circumstances of religion, your wisdom and my simplicity (I grant) hath a little jarred, each of us following the abundance of his own sense and judgment; now, I say, be you assured, that even with 〈…〉 whole heart, God is my witness▪ in the bowels of Christ I love you in the truth and for the truth's sake, which abideth in us, and, as I am persuaded, shall by the grace of God, abide in us for evermore. AND because the world, as I perceive, brother, ceaseth not to play his pageant, and busily conspireth against Christ our Saviour, with all possible force and power, exalting high things against the knowledge of God; let us join hands together in Christ, and, if we cannot overthrow, yet to our power, and as much as in us lieth, let us shake those high altitudes, not with carnal, but with spiritual weapons; and with•l, brother, let us prepare ourselves to the day of our dissolution, by the which, after the short time of this bodily affliction, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall triumph together with him in eternal glory. I pray you, brother, salute in my name your reverend fellow prisoner, and venerable father, D. C. by whom, since the first day that I heard of his most godly and fatherly constancy, in confessing the truth of the gospel, I have conceived great consolation and joy in the Lord. For the integrity and uprightness of that man, his gravity and innocency, all England, I think, hath known long ago.
Blessed be God therefore, which in such abundance of iniquity and decay of all godliness, hath given unto us, in this reverend old age, such a witness for the truth of his gospel. Miserable and hard-hearted is he, whom the godliness and constant confession of so worthy, so grave, and innocent a man, will not move to acknowledge and confess the truth of God. I do not now, brother, require you to write any thing to me again: for I stand much in fear, lest your letters should be intercepted before they can come to my hands. Nevertheless know you, that it shall be to me great joy to hear of your constancy and fortitude in the Lord's quarrel. And albeit I have not hitherto written unto you, yet have I twice, as I could, sent unto you my mind touching the matter which in your letters you required to know. Neither can I yet, brother, be otherwise persuaded: I see methinks so many perils, whereby I am earnestly moved to counsel you not to hasten the publishing of your works, especially under the title of your own name. For I fear greatly, lest by this occasion both your mouth should be stopped hereafter, and all things taken from the rest of the prisoners, whereby otherwise, if it so please God, they may be able to do good to many. Farewell in the Lord, my most dear brother; and if there be any more in prison with you for Christ's sake, I beseech you, as you may, salute them in my name. To whose prayers I do most humbly and heartily commend myself and my fellow-prisoners and concaptives in the Lord, and yet once again, and for ever in Christ, my most dear brother, farewell. N. RIDLEY.
Blessed be God therefore, which in such abundance of iniquity and decay of all godliness, hath given unto us, in this reverend old age, such a witness for the truth of his gospel. Miserable and hard-hearted is he, whom the godliness and constant confession of so worthy, so grave, and innocent a man, will not move to acknowledge and confess the truth of God. I do not now, brother, require you to write any thing to me again: for I stand much in fear, lest your letters should be intercepted before they can come to my hands. Nevertheless know you, that it shall be to me great joy to hear of your constancy and fortitude in the Lord's quarrel. And albeit I have not hitherto written unto you, yet have I twice, as I could, sent unto you my mind touching the matter which in your letters you required to know. Neither can I yet, brother, be otherwise persuaded: I see methinks so many perils, whereby I am earnestly moved to counsel you not to hasten the publishing of your works, especially under the title of your own name. For I fear greatly, lest by this occasion both your mouth should be stopped hereafter, and all things taken from the rest of the prisoners, whereby otherwise, if it so please God, they may be able to do good to many. Farewel in the Lord, my most dear brother; and if there be any more in prison with you for Christ's sake, I beseech you, as you may, salute them in my name. To whose prayers I do most humbly and heartily commend myself and my fellow-prisoners and concaptives in the Lord, and yet once again, and for ever in Christ, my most dear brother, farewel. N. RIDLEY.
AFTER this discord, and not a little vexation about vestures, at length, Mr. Hooper entering into his diocese, did there employ his time which the Lord lent him under king Edward's reign, with such diligence, as may be a spectacle to all bishops who shall ever hereafter succeed him, not only in that place, but in whatsoever diocese through the whole realm of England: so careful was he in his cure, that he left neither pains untaken, nor ways unsought, how to train up the flock of Christ in the true word of salvation, continually labouring in the same. Other men commonly are wont, for lucre or promotion's sake, to aspire to bishoprics, some hunting for them, and some purchasing or buying them, as men use to purchase lordships; and when they have them, are loth to leave them, and thereupon also loth to commit that thing by worldly laws, whereby to lose them.
TO this so•• of men, Dr. Hooper w•• quite contrary, who abhorred nothing more […], labouring always to sa•e and ••eserve the […] of his flock; who, being bishop […] two dioceses, […] and guided either of then and […] though he had in charge but one family […] his household, no gardener in his garden, nor husbandman in his vineyard, was more or better occupied, than he in his diocese amongst his flock, going about his towns and villages in teaching and preaching to the people there. The time that he had to spare from preaching, he bestowed either in hearing public causes, or else in private study, prayer, and visiting of schools: with his continual doctrine he adjoined due and discreet correction, not so much severe to any, as to those who for abundance of riches and wealthy state, thought they might do what they pleased. And doubtless he spared no kind of people, but was indifferent to all, as well rich as poor, to the great shame of many in th•se days; whereof we see so many addicted to the ⟨p. 454⟩pleasing of the great and rich, that in the mean time they have no regard to the meaner sort, whom Christ hath bought as dearly as the other. But to return to Dr. Hooper, whose life was such, that •o the church and all churchmen, it might be a light and example, to the rest a perpetual lesson and sermon. Finally, how virtuous and good a bishop he was, you may conceive and know evidently by this, that even as he was hated by none but of them who were evil, yet the worst of them all could not reprove his life in any one particular. Nor was this good bishop less exemplary in his private, than in his public character. At home, in his domestic concerns, he exhibited an example of a worthy prelate's life; for he bestowed the most part of his care upon the flock and congregation of Christ, for which also he spent his blood: yet nevertheless there was nothing wanting in him, •o bring up his own children in learning and good manners; insomuch that it is difficult to say, wheth•• […] deserved m••e praise for his fatherly usage at •ome, or for his public conduct abroad. For every-where he kept one religion in one uniform doctrine and integrity. So that if you entered into the bishop's pace, you would suppose yourself to have entered into some church or temple.
In every corner thereof there was the beauty of virtue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the holy scriptures. There was not to be seen in his house any courtly rioting or idleness; no pomp, no dishonest word, no swearing, could there be heard. As to the revenues of both his bishoprics, if any thing surmounted thereof, he saved nothing, but bestowed it in hospitality. Twice I was (says Mr. Fox) in his house in Worcester, where, in his common-hall, • saw a table spread with good store of meat, and beset full of beggars and poor people: and I asking his servants what this meant, they told me, that every day their lord and master's manner was, to have at dinner a certain number of the poor of said city by course, who were served by four at a mess, with wholesome me•ts: and when they were served, (being before examined by him or his deputies, of the Lord's prayer, and the articles of their faith, and ten commandments) then he himself sat down to dinner, and not before. In this manner Dr. Hooper executed the office of a most careful and vigi•••t pastor, for the space of two years and more, so long as the state of religion in king Edward• time did safely flourish and take place: and would to God th•• all other bishops would use the like diligence, care, and observance in their function. After this, in the reign of queen Mary, religion being subverted and changed, this good bishop was one of the first who was sent for by a pursuivant to be at London; and that for two causes:
In every corner thereof there was the beauty of virtue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the holy scriptures. There was not to be seen in his house any courtly rioting or idleness; no pomp, no dishonest word, no swearing, could there be heard. As to the revenues of both his bishopri•s, if any thing surmounted thereof, he saved nothing, but bestowed it in hospitality. Twice I was (says Mr. Fox) in his house in Worcester, where, in his common-hall, • saw a table spread with good store of meat, and beset full of beggars and poor people: and I asking his servants what this meant, they told me, that every day their lord and master's manner was, to have at dinner a certain number of the poor of said city by course, who were served by four at a mess, with wholesome mets: and when they were served, (being before examined by him or his deputies, of the Lord's prayer, and the articles of their faith, and ten commandments) then he himself sat down to dinner, and not before. In this manner Dr. Hooper executed the office of a most careful and vigit pastor, for the space of two years and more, so long as the state of religion in king Edward time did safely flourish and take place: and would to God th all other bishops would use the like diligence, care, and observance in their function. After this, in the reign of queen Mary, religion being subverted and changed, this good bishop was one of the first who was sent for by a pursuivant to be at London; and that for two causes:
FIRST, To answer to Dr. Heath, then appointed bishop of that diocese, who was deprived thereof in king Edward's days, for being a papist.
FIRST, To answer to Dr. Heath, then appointted bishop of that diocese, who was deprived thereof in king Edward's days, for being a papist.
SECONDLY, To render an account to Dr. Bonner, bishop of London, for that he in king Edward's time was one of his accusers, in that he showed himself not conformable to such ordinances as were prescribed to him by the king and his council, openly at St. Paul's Cross. And although the said bishop Hooper was not ignorant of the evils which should happen towards him, (for he was admonished by certain of his friends to get away, and shift for himself) yet he would not prevent them, but tarried still, saying, "Once did I flee, and take me to my feet; but now, because I am called to this place and vocation, I am thoroughly persuaded to tarry, and to live and die with my sheep."
SECONDLY, To render an account to Dr. Bonner, bishop of London, for that he in king Edward's time was one of his accusers, in that he shewed himself not conformable to such ordinances as were prescribed to him by the king and his council, openly at St. Paul's Cross. And although the said bishop Hooper was not ignorant of the evils which should happen towards him, (for he was admonished by certain of his friends to get away, and shift for himself) yet he would not prevent them, but tarried still, saying, "Once did I flee, and take me to my feet; but now, because I am called to this place and vocation, I am thoroughly persuaded to tarry, and to live and die with my sheep."
WHEN at the day of his appearance, the […] September, he was come to London, before he could see Dr. Heath and Dr. Bonner, he was intercepted, and commanded, violently, against his will, to appear before the queen and her council, to answer to certain bonds and obligations, wherein they said he was bound unto her. And when he came before them, Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, received him very opprobriously, railing, and rating of him, and accused him of his religion. He again freely and boldly answered, and cleared himself. But he was commanded to ward, (it being declared unto him at his departure, that the cause of his imprisonment was only for certain sums of money, for which he was indebted to the queen, and not for religion). This, how false and untrue it was, shall in its place mo•e plainly appear.
WHEN at the day of his appearance, the 〈…〉 September, he was come to London, before he could see Dr. Heath and Dr. Bonner, he was intercepted, and commanded, violently, against his will, to appear before the queen and her council, to answer to certain bonds and obligations, wherein they said he was bound unto her. And when he came before them, Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, received him very opprobriously, railing, and rating of him, and accused him of his religion. He again freely and boldly answered, and cleared himself. But he was commanded to ward, (it being declared unto him at his departure, that the cause of his imprisonment was only for certain sums of money, for which he was indebted to the queen, and not for religion). This, how false and untrue it was, shall in its place mo•e plainly appear.
THE next year, being March 19, 1554, he was ⟨p. 455⟩called again to appear before Winchester, and others of the queen's commissioners: where, what for the bishop, and what for the unruly multitude, when he could not be permitted to plead his cause, he was deprived of his bishoprics. Which how, and in what order it was done, may here be seen from the testimony and report of one, who being present at the doing, committed the same to writing.
FORASMUCH as a rumour in spread abroad of the conversation at my lord chancellor's, between him with other commissioners there appointed, and Dr. Hooper, quite contrary to the truth, and therefore to be judged rather to be risen of malice, for the discrediting of the truth by false suggestions and evil reports, than otherwise: I thought it my duty, being present thereat myself, in writing to set forth the whole effect of the same; partly that the verity thereof may be known to doubtful people; and partly also to advertise them, how uncharitably Dr. Hooper was handled at their hands, who with all humility used himself towards them, desiring, that with patience he might have been permitted to speak: so that had I been in a doubt, which of these two religions to have credited, either that set forth by the king's majesty that is dead, […] else that now maintained by the queen's majesty▪ their irreverent behaviour towards Dr. Hooper, would have moved •e more to credit his doctrine, than that which they with railing and cruel word• defended, considering that Christ was so handled before. And that this which I have written here▪ was the effect of their discourse, as I acknowledge it to be true myself, so I appeal to all the hearers' consciences who were then present (so they put affection away) for the witness of the same.
FORASMUCH as a rumour in spread abroad of the conversation at my lord chancellor's, between him with other commissioners there appointed, and Dr. Hooper, quite contrary to the truth, and therefore to be judged rather to be risen of malice, for the discrediting of the truth by false suggestions and evil reports, than otherwise: I thought it my duty, being present thereat myself, in writing to set forth the whole effect of the same; partly that the verity thereof may be known to doubtful people; and partly also to advertise them, how uncharitably Dr. Hooper was handled at their hands, who with all humility used himself towards them, desiring, that with patience he might have been permitted to speak: so that had I been in a doubt, which of these two religions to have credited, either that set forth by the king's majesty that is dead, 〈…〉 else that now maintained by the queen's maje••y▪ their irreverent behaviour towards Dr. Hooper, would have moved e more to credit his doctre, than that which they with railing and cruel word defended, considering that Christ was so handled before. And that this which I have written here was the effect of their discourse, as I acknowledge it to be true myself, so I appeal to all the hearers' consciences who were then present (so they put affection away) for the witness of the same.
AT Dr. Hooper's coming in, the lord chancellor asked whether he was married.
HOOPER. Yes, my lord, and will not be unmarried, till death unmarry me.
DURHAM. That is matter enough to deprive you.
TO this so•• of men, Dr. Hoop•r w•• quite contrary, who abhorred nothing more 〈…〉, labouring always to sa•e and ••eserve the 〈…〉 of his flock; who, being bishop 〈…〉 two dioceses, 〈…〉 and guided either of then and 〈…〉 though he had in charge but one fa•ily 〈…〉 his houshold, no gardener in his garden, nor husbandman in his vineyard, was more or better occupied, than he in his diocese amongst his flock, going about his towns and villages in teaching and preaching to the people there. The time that he had to spare from preaching, he bestowed either in hearing public causes, or else in private study, prayer, and visiting of schools: with his continual doctrine he adjoined due and discreet correction, not so much severe to any, as to those who for abundance of riches and wealthy state, thought they might do what they pleased. And doubtless he spared no kind of people, but was indifferent to all, as well rich as poor, to the great shame of many in th•se days; whereof we see so many addicted to the ⟨p. 454⟩pleasing of the great and rich, that in the mean time they have no regard to the meaner sort, whom Christ hath bought as dearly as the other. But to return to Dr. Hooper, whose life was such, that •o the church and all churchmen, it might be a light and example, to the rest a perpetual lesson and sermon. Finally, how virtuous and good a bishop he was, you may conceive and know evidently by this, that even as he was hated by none but of them who were evil, yet the worst of them all could not reprove his life in any one particular. Nor was this good bishop less exemplary in his private, than in his public character. At home, in his domestic concerns, he exhibited an example of a worthy prelate's life; for he bestowed the most part of his care upon the flock and congregation of Chri•t, for which also he spent his blood: yet nevertheless there was nothing wanting in him, •o bring up his own children in learning and good manners; insomuch that it is difficult to say, wheth•• 〈…〉 deserved m••e praise for his fatherly usage at •ome, or for his public conduct abroad. For every-where he kept one religion in one uniform doctrine and integrity. So that if you entered into the bishop's pa••ce, you would suppose yourself to have entered into some church or temple.
