An apology made by the reverend father and constant Martyr of Christ john Hooper late Bishop of Gloceter and Worceter 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 mary. Wherein thou shalt see this Godly man's innocency and modest behaviour: and the falsehood and subtlety of the advesaryes of God's truth. ¶ newly set forth and allowed according to the order appointed in the queens majesties injunctions. Anno. 1562. ¶ To the Godly reader Henry Bull wisheth grace and peace with unfeigned faith and a good conscience in Christ jesus our Lord. IT hath always been the practice of Satan and his subtle soldiers the papists, even the sworn adversaries of God's truth, that when they can not prevail against the same by tyranny and torments, they labour to deface it by most impudent slanders and lies (the chiefest defence and stay of their kingdom) as thou shalt see (good reader) in this treatise following. For when they could by no tyranny nor cruel handling discourage this man of God from the constant confession of the truth, they stirred up most shameful & cursed lies against him that he should be a privy maintainer of such as cursed the Queen, but to their own perpetual shame and ignomy. For whilst they have sought by this mean to bring Gods eternal verity in to contempt and too make it more odious to the world: what else have they done but disclosed their own wickedness and malice and given him occasion so to paint out their falsehood and lying spirit in their right colours, by this pithy, learned, and worthy little piece of work: that all men may hereby clearly perceive whose children they are, and they themselves shall need no other glass to see how like their father they look, the father of all falsehood and lies. And to the end that this their wicked dealing, which have thus proudly set themselves against God and against his Christ in his poor members, may be the better known & registered to the world and the posterity to come, to their shame and confusion, and to the advancing of gods glory in the innocent suffering of his saints, thus torn and rent by tyranny, torments, lies, and slanders for his name's sake: behold the providence of god, who hath now brought this work to light, which otherwise by the negligence of some was like to pearishe. And here have I just occasion to discommend those men which do defraud the congregation of such worthy monuments. Great was the care of this blessed man and other for the church of God, and many fruitful works did they write in prison, in bands, in setters, but few are come to light: and shall we like careless and ingrateful people suffer these Godly labours, these painful travails, thus to pearish? how desirous they were to have them published, to witness to the world that which they taught and sealed with their blood, and to profit their brethren: it appeareth by this authors earnest request to the readers of this treatise, which is that they will not keep it close to themselves, but as soon as they have read it, set it abroad & communicate it to other. And that request which he make the concerning this treatise, do I here generally make in his name and others and in the behalf of the church of God for the rest of their works, to them in whose hands they remain, that they will not suffer them to be suppressed any longer (for that is it which Satan and the enemies of the cross of Christ do most desire) but cause them to be set abroad in print to the commodity of many. And truly it might seem to be a labour no less commendable for the learned then profitable for the household of God to be as diligent in searching and setting forth of such worthy works, as in penning and publishing of new. So full are they of heavenly doctrine, so full of power of God's spirit, so full of comfort, and consolation, being written as it were out of god's sanctuary, with the finger of God, by men even then out of the world and in heaven already: that in deed they are most worthy to be sought for as precious jewels and treasures. For God knoweth what lack we have of such trumpets to stir up our dull hearts in these dangerous days, wherein all states of men have turned this great blessing of God bestowed upon us (I mean these breathinge days and time of rest from antichristes tyranny) in to a security, and are become like men rocked a sleep. And many that seemed to be zealous, earnest, and constant in the Lords quarrel so long as these captains were in the battle, and they themselves with in the sound of the trumpette, are now well cooled. Pray we therefore that the Lord would warm them, heat them, inflame them again with the zeal of his house, that we may have many such valiant captains, such worthy prelate's and shepherds as this was, over their lambs watchful and careful, in preaching dylygente and painful, in zeal fervent, hearty, and sincere, and of like fortitude of spirit to help and maintain the travailinge saith of the gospel, that we may enjoy still this fatherly blessing of our gracious God, and escape the wrath to come and plagues at hand for our unworthy receiving again of this great benefit of his word and liberty of conscience. Whhiche plagues we may assuredly look for with double woe, unless by speedy repentance we seek, to remove the cause thereof. God for his Christ's sake, grant us heartily, earnestly, and effectuouselye so to do. Amen ¶ An apology against the untrue and slanderous reports made against me john Hooper late bishop of Worcetour and Gloceter that I should be a maintainer and encourager of such as cursed the queens majesties highness. IT is the use and fashion of all wicked and evil disposed persons (gentle reader) that when one way will not serve too bring their wickedness to pass, they assay & prove (as Terence saith) an other. The whole congregation & company of Godly & charitable people be not ignorant how falsely and uncharitably the papistical clergy hath for this year and half, openly and privily by all means laboured to persuade not only the common sort of people but also the magistrates, to judge and condemn me in their conscience for an heretic. By the which means they have much prevait led against me, but yet not as much as they desire and look for. Wherefore saying plain allegation of pretenced and falsely surmised heresy as yet sheddeth not my blood, without the which that whorish and unbridled false supremacy of Rome was never satisfied: now because the princes and the magistrates may be their hangmen, although that wicked power of antichrist (as all chronicles and true historiographers do record) would have no power above it, equal with it, nor none under it, but such as hold their kingdoms and authorities in the world (as it were in capite) of that wicked and pestilent sea and chair of Rome, which is in deed the very whore of Babylon that saint john describeth in the revelation of jesus Christ, Apo. 17. sitting upon a seven headed beast, which S john himself interpretateth to be seven hills, and the children in th● grammar school do know that Rom● is called civitas septem montium, the city of seven hills. This generation (I say) that always hath shed innocent blood (lest the child should degenerate from the father's conditions, for he that gave the bishop of Rome his supremacy was a bloody murderer and traitor one Phocas that killed his master Mauricius the Emperor, his masters the Empress and sire of their lawful children) would bear the world in hand, that I were not only an heretic, but also a traitor. And to affirm that assertion, they say I have written to comfort, encourage, and maintain such as cursed the queen. But if I may (as I ought) be heard indifferently, I shall try myself a true man, and prove mine accusers to be false in the face of all the world. There be (as I here say) now certain in the counter in London that wished evil unto the queens highness, unto whom mine adversaries say I wrote letters of encouragement, that they did well in so doing: and that if they continued doing the same still, they should do better. First I do require all good men too mark the tenaure and contents of the letter which my trende sent unto me, to advertise me of such men as were taken and imprisoned upon new years day at night last passed: also to mark the contents of mine answer unto his letter, where withal I did send this letter, that the wicked calleth treasonne. I have set at the end of this apology the true copy of all three letters, and other letters then these I wrote not to them that were taken at that time: Now mark how my letters will prove this two penny treason that the wicked would charge me with all. first I knew of nothing the congregation did but of prayer which they used, as they be bound by God's laws in the vulgar tongue (let the papists say too the contrary what they will) and there they gave God thanks for that they had received at his hands, and asked of him the things that they lacked and prayed also for the Queen and the magistrates. Mark the information of the letter that advertised me wherefore they were taken. Now do the wicked papists feign matter, and change prayer, wherein I required them too persevere for the Queen, in to cursing of the Queen. Mark again the place where prayer and serving of God that I commended was done: in a Godly man's house (saith my friend) in bow churchyard. The place where the queen by report was cursed, was in the counter by the stocks in London. Further mark the time when the thing was done that I commended: before they were taken, as my letter to them doth testify. Mark also what the persons be that are accused of this cursing: such as yet until the tenth of Ianuarye I knew not nor have heard of. And to those that be accused of the crime, my letters were not sent nor never came. Yet doth the wickedness of the wicked papists say that I encouraged them in evil doings, my letters never coming unto them, nor when I wrote knew I of any such cursing. Farther, such as be taken and imprisonned for that fault, I never knew of, nor of any such thing too be done by them, until (as I said) the tenth day of january, which was (as I have learned) at the least sire days after the fault was done, and three days also after my letter was written and delivered to them that were in an other prisonne, from such as did this crime. Wherefore if the wicked were not passed all shame, charity, love, and honesty: how could they of conscience blow and blast abroad such wicked lies and scaunders, that neither agreeth with the matter of my letter, nor with the persons, nor with the place where the crime was committed, nor yet with the time when the curses were used. There was never true subjects in such danger as we poor English men be at these present days. The falsest men of the world, yea the Satanical papists, may say what they will, so that they speak against any that lavoureth God, his word, & the holy catholic church of Christ: and his accusation us it never so false by that time it hath been in the consistory court and handling of the bishops one day or two, it shall have some fair pretenced colour to make it appear true, and also to be done only for conscience sake, as all their religion is hypocrisy and coloured with holiness in name. I have been always a true man to all the estates of this realm, I will stand with the law in that point and reprove mine accusers what so ever they be. As for my truth and loyalty to the queens highness, the time of her most dangerous estate can testify with me, that when there was both commandments and commissions out against her, whereby she was to the sight of the world, the more in danger, and less like to come to the crown: yet when she was at the worst, I road myself from place too place (as it is well known) to win and stay the people for her party. And where as an other was proclaimed, I preferred her not withstanding the proclamations. And to help her as much as I could when her highness, was in trouble, I sent horses out of both shires, Gloucester shire and Worcester shire too serve her in her great danger, as Sir john Talbot knight and William Ligon Esquire can testify the one dwelling in the one shire, and the other in the other. Seeing in adversity I was with her, and did her service, than I being at liberty: It is falsely and wickedly conspired by the papists, that now she being in real possession of the crown and in prospertytye, and I a prisoner in captivity, would be against her. But where as the pope will for a penny of two pence give remission of all sins a pena et culpa the wicked may say and do what they lust: and the innocent lambs of Christ suffer what so ever God shall permit the members of antichrist's kingdom to lay upon them. Yet may the Godly see the pretenced and false imagined treason of these Antichristes' against me. Doubtless it is not because they bear good will and loyalty to the queens highness that they would bring me in to her displeasure. For all the world knoweth she hath no more nor no greater enemies than those that desire to leave no mouth open in this realm too speak and sound the name of jesus Christ in faith and understanding. I take record hereof at the bishop of wynchesters' book of true obedience, of Bonner's epistle into the same book, of Culbert Tonstalles sermons, and doctor Sampsons', oration made only advisedly, purposely, and deliberately against the Queen and the pope, and be openly in all men's hands, aswell with in the realm as without. But such be the inscrutable judgements of God that her highness should punish her poor, true, and loving subjects that never offended her, and also make false traitorous bishops judges of truer men than they be themselves. Doubtless if ever I had written or spoken the tenth part of treasonne that her own bishops books do contain, I know their charity is so burning and servant that the crows and birds of the air should have eaten my flesh before this day. Yet I am not sorry, but doubtless (I speak and write from the bottom of my heart before God) very glad to see mercy showed unto offenders. But I speak it to this end that I verily suppose, as the Queen doth forgive offenders: so would she not wittingly punish me and other true men that all ways have done her good and no harm. For she is by the laws of God as much bound to be indifferent and favourable to true men, as true men be bound to give her obedience. And (be it spoken without all pride and malice) I defy him whatsoever he be (the magistrates being honoured) that dare open his mouth to the contrary. But alas saving I would not offend the law of my living God, that commandeth me to obey all magistrates and laws (which disagree not from his holy word) it were for me a more easy death to be hanged like a traitor, then burned like an heretic. But seeing death must ensue the true religion and faith of jesus Christ: I will not appoint God what death he shall take me out of this life by. I am in Christ wholly and thoroughly at a point with the world. I pray daily and will pray for my persecutors even as for myself. But their tyranny and death, that they will kill me with all, I comtemned & pass nothing of. I am no better than my master Christ was in his service. if I die therefore by his grace whether it be by fire, or sword, or halter, it is all one to me: and the rather death cometh the better shall it be welcome. For the sooner shall my soul rest with Abraham Isaac and jacob in my heavenly father's kingdom: Whereof in Christ I am assured to be a right heir, ordained to the same of mercy by him: before the world was made. The Pharisees did not lay only heresy to Christ's charge: and in deed the manner of his death upon the cross was not appointed for heresy amongs the jews, but rather stoned too death. There was never a pair of stocks in the town that jeremy the prophet scoured not, but still his accusers, the false priests made their acusations in both states aswell in heresy as in treason: least the king should not punish the poor preacher for preaching, but let him go. So Christ's accusers (the holy bishops and priests) when they perceived that Pilate savoured the innocenie cause of Christ, and said he found nothing that they laid against him worthy of death, they made him (poor man) eat that words (judge as he was) and told him, if he let Christ live and would not proceed to condemn him he was not the emperors friend. This hath been always the pleading of the Satanical clergy even sithence that wicked see of Rome falsely challenged supremacy, even to put the princes and judges of the earth in the head that all true preaching of God's word against their wickedness, superstition, and idolatry, was treason. But all kings, Queens and magistrates civil, shall at the day of their death answer with eternal damnation of their souls, for the shedding of all innocent blood within their realms and offices. God doth not bid the king and Queen commit matters of religion to the bishops, neither doth he will them to give bishops power to condemn when they lust, and so afterwards commit such as they have condemned to the secular powers: but doth command all princes to be learned themselves, Deu. 17. to hear them and to judge themselves such doubtsull and weighty causes by the word of God. josu. 1. It is both against God's laws and man's, Psal. 11. that the bishops and clergy should be judges over any subject within this realm. For it is no part of their office. They can do no more but preach God's word and minister God's sacraments, and excommunicate such as God's laws do pronounce worthy to be excommunicated. Who would give a sword in to a mad man's hand? There be not living more malicious, cruel, craste, devilish nor tyrannical tyrants, more merciless, than the bishops and cleagye under that wicked bishop of Rome: as the cromcles and the histories of the bishop's lives do plainly record. And no marvel: for as the bishop of Wincher sayeth in his bake of true obedience: where so ever the Pope hath supremacy, there Christ is dishonoured: and the kings suffer wrong. Yea he sayeth more (let his book be judge) that there can be no truth where as the bishop of Rome is chief head. And therefore he saith that no prince can or may give the pope any such authority. For a king can no more give that part of his office that toucheth the governance of the one part of his people which is the clergy, for matters of religion to the bishops of Rome: then a wife may give the use of her body from her husband too an other man. Yet as saint john sayeth, the princes of the earth shall be made so drunken with the cup of that whore of Babylon, that they will deliver their power to the beast: but yet saint john sayeth plainly, although the kings do give too the beast against God's laws their kingdoms, yet be they none of the beasts. But now the bishop of Wynchester and the rest of his fellows against their oaths, their sermons, their preachings their books, yea their own knowledge and conscience fall under that wicked and false pretenced power again: and do make him the head of Christ's church, whom they all be not able to prove to be any member of Christ's church. Grant it were as true as it is false that Christ had given such supremacy to Saint Peter (who they say was bishop of Rome although I never knew man yet able to prove it) and his successors, yet no man should obey the things done by the Pope, For the word of God is plain that he is an excommunicate person in that he teacheth doctrine besides and contrary to the word of of God. As Saint Paul saith plainly. And how far both the doctrine and the use of the sacraments under the tiranye of the bishop of Rome, be from the word of God, it shall appear plainly to all the estates of this realm, if my Lord Cardinal of his charity will accomplish the reasonable and gentle requests that I have made unto him, I trust as gently he received my letters: so he will grant me and my fellows that be in durance our lawful requests. But this I do write (good reader) not to make discourse of any matter, but only for the majesty and honour of God's word, to declare mine innocency of treason or any evil will or malice that I bear to the queens highness or any superior power. Doubtless I thank our heavenly father I have read to many times the word of life and marked it to well, to fight against or curse the magistrates. I pray God to give them understanding of his holy truth, with love to follow it: and the harm that I would to any man living happen to myself. For the commandment of God is that we should not only love our friends, Mat. 5. but also our enemies. And not only wish good and pray for our friends as debtors unto God and them for the benefits we take at their hands, but also pray for our enemies, lamenting the tyranny and wickedness of sin that causeth them too hate and persecute whom God requireth to love. 1 joa. 5. Yet doth saint john in his Epistel command the readers thereof to beware they pray not for such as be subject to the sin which is to death. But I suppose that in these late days, wherein the spirit of judgement and discretion or discerning of sins, is not so abundantly in men as it was in his time: no man should without a special testimony of the holy ghost, particularly or expressly judge that sin to be in any man. For the judgements of God, who shall turn from wickedness, or who shall fall from versue, before this mortal life be ended, be not revealed nor known unto men. And yet in case I knew (as saint john saith) a man that sinned unto death, for whom by the commandment of God I should not pray: it followeth not that I should curse him for whom I may not pray. And I rejoice that the inscrutable judge meant of god suffereth the wicked to slander me with that evil that of all others I have been all my life time (I thank God) lest troubled and in danger withal. For I never cursed man nor beast otherwise then the word of God wylied me for the time whiles I preached his word to rebuke sin. I do remember that saint Augustine in his book of Christ's sermon in the mount, hath many Godly sentences and sayings in this matter. But I mind not to write a book of it but only to speak the truth of myself against wicked sklaunderers, that care not so they may hurt, how they hurt, nor so they kill by what means they kill. In the psalms and in the prophets he marvelous execrations of the wicked, and specially against such as with the death of the Godly god about to condemn the word of God and to oppress it. Christ also and his apostles used marvelous execrations, when he said, woe be unto the Chorozain, Mat. 11, woe be unto thee Bethsaida. etc. Saint Paul wished them destroyed that troubled the church of the Galathians. Also he called the high priest painted wall to his face: Act. 23. and Peter killed with a word Ananias and Saphira his wife. Act. 5. Saint Paul struck blind Elimas the witch. Eliseus caused the wild bear to tear and kill the children that mocked him. Act. 13. Elias caused sire from heaven to fall 4. regu. 2. upon the messengers of Ochosias' the king. 4. regu. 1. These things declare that there were at all times cursings used, and extreme punishment followed such as were by God's commandment cursed: and yet such as did curse remained still in the favour of God. But these examples no private man may follow, for these men were public preachers of God's word, whose office was by all means so to rebuke and condemn sin, as thes were instructed by the word of God. And he that marketh the condition of these persons, shall perceive that in every one of them was two persons: th'one public that could speak no more pleasant nor gently to the sinful world than God bade them: which was to pronounce them cursed and damned for their sins and iniqutye: yet as private men they wept and sorrowfully lamented the misery and loss of the same persons that they cursed as public ministers. jeremy as a public preacher, jere. 5. 6. threatened the destruction of his own country, the captivity of his natural prince and king, and the servitude and bondage of all his cuntremen: yet as a private man wept and cried out rather with floods of Trens. 1. 2. tears then with drops of weeping. So did Christ upon jerusalem, Mat. 23. 2. regu. 18. David upon Saul and Absalon, and Saint Paul upon the jews, and yet offended nothing at all. Rom. 9 For although God require of public ministers to do that appartamethe to their public office in cursing and threatening of his ire and displeasure yet he taketh not from them his natural affection to pity and bewail even such as they know most justly to be punished: but yet so in measure that the affection of mercy and compassion murmur not against the will & just judgement of God. Rom. 12. 13. Wherefore as it is forbidden a private man to revenge by force his own wrong: so it is forbidden him too curse or execrate any person magistrate or other. Yea the public person that preacheth, in this point had need to be circumspect and too be aware he speak nothing of affection: but all for the correction of sin to the amendment of sinners, as the saints do ask vengeance in heaven, Apo. 6. saying: when wilt thou revenge our blood upon them or the earth? where as it may not be thought that the Saints pray uncharitably against their neighbours that the world and the kingdom of sin might make an end in them. And so do all good men pray now upon the earth, that the kingdom of God may come, as it is in the Lord's prayer. Mat. 7. But what do these ungodly papysies find fault with cursing, when not only all histories, chronicles, and records from time too time, ever sithence the pretenced and wicked authority of the romish bishop do testify, besides daily experience, that they have cursed kings and realms of malice, pride and indignation: and for money have blessed them again, and so used kings and realms (as their wicked lusts have moved them) as slaves and beasts contrary to God's express word. And dayelye it is seen in every consistory court, that at the will and pleasure of a wicked man that is the bishops office, the innocentes be cursed and used woorsse than dogs, until such time as the officers fury be pacified with Gold or silver. If they knew God's laws (●● they do not in deed) they should see and find, that no ordinary excommunication should be used by the bishop alone, but by the Bishop and all the whole parish. So we read in the old law that when such excommunications were Deu. 21. used, the whole congregation stood the one party of the one hill and the other party of the other hill. Also when the incestuous man was excommunicated. S. Paul alone did not excommunicate him but Saint Paul's consent and also the whole church 1. Cor. 5. with him. Extraordinary excommunications that then the holy men used, which our bishops at this day neither have power to do nor know what they be: be not in use. As Saint Paul alone by God's power made blind the witch Act. 13. Elimas. And Peter alone by the same power killed Ananias and saphira Act. 5. his wife. The bishops can but strike and excommunicate with the word of God: If that serve not, they should commend the matter to God and meddle no further. But now the bishops have learned God's word and preach and teach fables and lies: and who so will not believe them in such wickedness, they strike them with loss of goods, lands, liberties, friends, wife and children, yea with imprisonment, sword fire, cord and such like. And to make all appear well, they strike true men with the false slander of treasonne. But such is God's just punishment for our sins, most justly happened unto us. When we amend our lives he will withdraw his scourge. Thus mayst thou see (gentle reader) that such cursing as these ungodly papists slander me with all, is both against my knowledge and my doings. And as I know I should not curse any man: even so I know I should pray for all men, and for mine enemies also diligently and Chirstianly: for giving them as much as lieth in me here and before God: praying him to send them more grace and loving charity. But here I would men should note and mark that as they be forbid to curse the magistrates, so be they forbid to say, allow, or commend any thing they shall do that is not agreeable with the word of God. For the scripture doth not only curse such as make wicked laws, but also holdeth them accursed (what Isa. 5. so ever they be) that call good evil and evil good. And although God doth require me to obey the magistrate yet he forbiddeth me to flatter the magistrate, either stir him up so do evil, or so commend the evil, when it is done. For we know not only evil doers shall be damned but also such as consent to evil doing. And this old saying is true, Rom. 2. the consenters and docrs shall have like pain. Now these be the bees and stinging wasps that make the bishops so sore too rage and startle. They have taken the word of God from the people out of all churches in this realm, that nothing may be said in the vulgar tongue: which is clean contrary to the word of God and expressly against the same, as saint Paul sayeth. 1. Cor. 14. But they say saint Paul there speaketh but of preaching alone, which should be in the vulgar tongue. But I say and will justify it, that they say untruly in so saying, for the text plainly and expressly maketh as well mension of prayer said or sung, as of preaching. I will pray in my spirit and in mine understrndinge saith saint Paul. etc. And so do the old fathers altogether say as I say. Read john Chrisostom and S Ambrose upon the same place. Further, they have banished the holy supper of the Lord, and call the table where the communion was used, an oyster board, and the bread appointed to that use, oyster bread: and yet those things both by name and effect, be contained & commanded us most plainly by the express word of god, And for the supper of the Lord, they have brought in private masses of their own, or else of their wicked predecessors invention: which is clean contrary to the word of god: let the book of the Apostles and Mat. 26. Mar. 14, Luc. 22. evan gelistes be judge. And who so ever will compare the mass (as they use it) with the supper of the Lord: shall see them as well agree as Christ and the wicked Phariseis agreed. Now because men can not condescend unto these wicked things, and call that holy which is damnable, and that good which is evil: Therefore be lies, slanders, and false matters picked & feigned against them. But if they will say good is evil and evil good, the devil God and God the devil: then shall men have peace with them and not before. As I am sorry with all my heart, that any man for troubles should curse his persecutors, except he have more special testimony of God's spirit that he doth well then I have: so I like wise I do lament that those men that be cursed (who they be I know not) do not examine them selves and search their own consciences whether justly God stirreth the people to hate them or no, as David did being a lawful king and also a good king. When Semei called him blood sucker and murderer, with many foul words: he entered into that judgement of his own conscience and felt that the Lord had stirred the same wicked man up, being his own subject to curse. Whereby he learned (good king) to lament and beware of the sin that made him thus to be cursed. Alas what man or woman living is there that one ways or other hath not deserved to be cursed both of God and man. But these carnal and fleshly bishops never consider that which is principally to be taken heed of in every plague that god sendeth: which is the sin in the person plagued. When the scourge of God so cometh, it were best for every man too say to himself: good Lord although I have not deserved thus to be spoken of one way, yet an other way I have, for none is pure and innocent in thy sight. Let every man remove by grace the cause of cursings and other troubles, which be the very messengers of God and his scourges: and then God will remove the effects, which be the troubles themselves. If the party cursed by man be innocent: Mat. 5. he may rejoice to be evil spoken of for justice sake, and assure himself that God will bless that man curseth. Mal. 2. If he be guilty, the curse is as a preacher sent unto him from God to admonish him of his sins. And as for the person that curseth, if God's spirit bear not record with his spirit that he did it for God's sake and the hatred he did bear only to sin, and stirred thereunto by the spirit of God, as the prophets and apostles were: he hath great cause to lament. For the curse that he would to others shall light upon himself. And such offenders had most need of comfort, to call them again to God and to the order of charity: for that we be bound to do as the scripture of God doth teach. Not too comfort them or aid them (as my false accusers say of me) as traitors in treason, but as creatures made unto the similitude of God, fallen in too sin. The which similitude and dignity of God in man should not be abhorred nor detested for any crime that man committeth, but rather pitied and comforted: not left alone, as the manner of the world is at this present: but diligently sought and laboured for, as Christ did for the lost sheep, who did not only seek for it but also carried it home upon his own shoulders when he had found it. Thus have I spoken and witten (gentle reader) against the papists proceedings, as it is my bounden duty, and all men's else that fear God. For I am sworn by the terrible, venerable, holy, and blessed name of God, as I trust too be saved by the riches, treasure and meryties of Christ's death: neither dyrectelye nor indyrectelye too agree unto the wicked and pretenced supremacy of the Bishop of Rome: but with all my wit, learning and other means resist him. This oath (by God's help) I will not violate break: let the wicked persured men, that he the wicked pope's adherentes, say what they will, and do what God shall permit them. I fear not death, nor pass of their cruel imprisonment, which is more vile and cruel towards us true men, than ever it was against murderers traitors, and thieves. But that is no now thing. For there is no offence irremissible with the popish bishops but to believe truly in Christ, as his word teacheth. Cyprian in a sermon de mortalitate, hath these words eius est mortem timere qui ad Christum nolit ire, he feareth death that would not go to christ. But we desire and groan too be dissolved from this wicked life and world if it please God. How be it we will not gladly provoke enmity nor yet suffer unprofitable persecution: but when the glory of God shall perish without the truth be testified: I defy all torments and tormentors. And let all good men and women rejoice also in Christ, for doubtless the church of Christ was first planted under the gospel by the death of Christ and his poor servants: and now it shall take no more harm by the persecution of the Satanical papists, than gold taketh by the goldsmiths furnace. There is no death can come to the creature without God's good leave and permission. Therefore let us rejoice that our time draweth so near to go from this ruinous and decayed city and tabernacle of our bodies: for there is an everlasting mansion in heaven prepared for us. And whiles we do live let us pray to god for this our natural country. For where as before it was cursed but by wicked man the antichrist of Rome: now is it cursed of God. And where as before it was interdicted but by a false wretch that would be Christ's vicar in earth: now is it interdicted by the maker and creator of all the earth: as the word of God doth show us, and all the old counsels and doctoures. Besides that look upon the Bishop's book, Winchester's oration, doctor Sampsons' oration, the bishop of Duresmes sermon and the Bishop of London's Epistle. I pray thee (gentle reader) as soon as thou readest this treatise, keep it not close. but make it open and spare not. For it is not by sword and fire that the papists can fear us from the truth of God's word. Grace and peace be with thee. Amen. ¶ The copy of the letter whereby Master hooper was certified of the taking of a Godly company in bow churchyard 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. shyryeffe with others, who commanded them all to stay in the king & queens magisties' name, whereunto they humbly obeyed: 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 God's 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 God's 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 mostedetest that godly society: as by the cruel handling of the Christians by the prelate's at this present it doth evidently appear. Therefore (I say) that they might (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 thirty, 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 breadstreate, I was yesterday: who (god be thanked) be strong and do rejoice, that for well doing they are imprisoned: Not doubting but the 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 persever in his truth: unto whose tuition in my poor prayer I humbly commend you. 3. of january. 1554. M. Chamber. M. Monger, M. Sh. and the rest in the counter do pray for you & in Christ salute you most humbly. ¶ The answer of Master hoopers letter, unto the former letter. THe grace of God be with you, amen. I perceive by your letter, how that upon new years' day at night, there were taken a Godly company of Christians, whilst they were praying. I do rejoice in that men can be so well occupied in this perilous time, and fly unto God for remedy by prayer: as well for their own lacks and necessities, as also charitably to pray for them that persecute them. So doth the word of God command all men, to pray charitably for them that hate us, and not to revile any magistrate with words, or too mean him evil by force or violence. They also may rejoice that in well doing, they were taken too the prison. Wherefore I have thought it good to send them this little writing of consolatiou: praying god to send them patience, charity, and constancy in the truth of his most holy word. Thus far you well and pray too God too send his true word into this realm again amongst us which the ungodly bishops have now banished. 4. januarye. 1554. ¶ The copy of Master hoopers letter delivered in the counter at breadestreete. THe grace, favour, consolation and aid of the holy ghost be with you now and ever so be it. Dearly beloved in the Lord, ever sithence your imprisonment, I have been marvelously moved with great affections and passions, as well of mirth and gladness, as of heaviness and sorrow. Of gladness in this, that I perceived how ye be bend and given to prayer, and invocation of God's help in these dark and wicked proceedings of men, against God's glory. I have been sorry to perceive the malice and wickedness of men, to be so cruel, devilish and tirannycall, too persecute the people of God, for serving, saying and hearing of the holy psalms, and the word of eternal life. These cruel doings do declare, that the papists church is more bloody and tyrannical, then ever was the sword of the Ethnics and gentiles. When I heard of your taking, and what ye were doing, wherefore, and by whom ye were taken: I remembered how the christians in the primitive church were used, by the cruelty of unchrystenned heathens, in the time of Trajan the Emperor about. 77. years after Christ's ascension in to heaven: and how, the Christians were persecuted very sore, as though they had been traitors and movers of sedition. Whereupon, the gentle Emperor Trajan required to know, the true cause of Christian men's trouble. Agreate learned man called Plinius wrote unto him and said: it was because the Christians said certain psalms before day, unto one called Christ: whom they worshipped for God. When Trajan the emperor understood it was for nothing but for conscience and religion: he caused by his commandments every where, that no man should be persecuted for serving of God. Lo, a gentle and heathen man would not have such as were of a contrary religion punished for serving of god: but the Pope and his church hath cast you in to prison, being taken even doing the work of God, and one of the excellentes works that is required of Christian men: that is to wit, whiles ye were in prayer, and not in such wicked and superstytious prayers, as the papists use: but in the same prayer that Christ hath taught you too pray. And in his name only ye gave God thanks for that ye have received, and for his sake ye asked for such things, as ye want. O glad way ye be that ever ye were borne, to be apprehended whilst ye were so virtuously occupied. Blessed be they that suffer for righteousness sake. For if God had suffered them that took your bodies, than too have taken your life also: now had ye been following the lamb in perpetual joys, away from the company and assemble of wicked men. But the lord would not have you suddenly so to departed, but reserveth you, gloriously too speak and maintain his truths too the world, Be ye not careful what you shall say: for God will go out and in with you, and will be present in your hearts and in your mouths, to speak his wisdom, although it seem foolishness to the world. He that hath begun this good work in you, continue you in the same unto the end and pray unto him, that ye may fear him only, that hath power to hill both body and soul, and to cast them in to hell fire. Be of good comforts, all the hears of your heads be numbered, and there is not one of them can perish except your heavenly father suffer it to perish. Now ye be even in the field, and placed in the forefront of Christ's battles doubtless it is a singular favour of God, and a special love of him towards you, too give you this forward and pre-eminence, and a sign that he trusteth you before others of his people. Wherefore (dear brethren and sisters) continually fight this fight of the Lord. your cause is most just and Godly: Ye stand for the true Christ (who is after the flesh in heaven) and for his true religion and honour, which is amply, fully, sufficiently, and aboundantelye contained in the holy Testament, sealed with Christ's own blood. How much be ye bounds to God, to put you in trust with so holy and just a cause? Remember what lookers upon you have, to see and behold you in your fight: God and all his holy Angels, who us ready always to take you up in to heaven, if ye be slain in this fight. Also you have standing at your backs, all the multitude of the faithful, who shall take courage, strength and desire, to follow such noble and vallaunte Christians, as you be. Be not a feared of your adversaries, for he that is in you, is stronger than he that is in them. Shryncke not although it be pain too you. your pains be not now so great as hearafter your joys shall be. Read the ●oumfortable chapters too the Romans. 8. 10. 15. hebrews. 11. 12. And upon your knees thank god that ever ye were accounted worthy to suffer any thing for his name's sake. Read the second chapter of S. Luke's gospel, and there you shall see how the shepherds that watched upon their sheep all night, as soon as they heard that Christ was borne at Bethelem, by and by they went to see him. They did not reason nor debate with themselves, who should keep the wolf from the sheep in the mean time, but did as they were commanded, and committed their sheep unto him, whose pleasure they obeyed. So let us do now we be called, commit all other things unto him that calleth us. He will take heed that all things shall be well. He will help the husband, he will comfort the wife, he will guide the servants, he will keep the house: he will preserve the goods: Yea rather than it should be undone he will wash the dishes, and rock the cradle. Cast therefore all your care upon god, for he careth for you Besides this, ● Pet. 5. you may perceive by your imprisonment that your adversaries weapons against you, be nothing but flesh blood & tyranny. For if they were able, they would maintain their wicked religion by God's word: but for lack of that they would violently compel, such as they can not by the holy scripture perswade● because the holy word of God and all Christ's doings, be clean contrary unto them. I pray you pray for me, and I will pray for you. And although we be a sunder after the world: yet in Christ (I trust) for ever joining in the spirit, and so shall meet in the palace of the heavenly joys, after this short and transitory life is ended. God's peace be with you, amen. 4. of Ianuarye. 1554. ¶ IMPRINTED at London, by john Tisdale, and Thomas Hacket and are to be sold at their shops in Lombarde street. Anno. 1561.