Foxe - The Book of Martyrs

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
forward the Lord's work, to the uttermost of his ability.
When Mr. Hooper had taken his farewell of Mr. Bullinger, and his friends in Zurich, he
repaired again to England in the reign of King Edward VI, and coming to London, used
continually to preach, most times twice, or at least once a day.
In his sermons, according to his accustomed manner, he corrected sin, and sharply
inveighed against the iniquity of the world and the corrupt abuses of the Church. The people
in great flocks and companies daily came to hear his voice, as the most melodious sound and
tune of Orpheus' harp, insomuch, that oftentimes when he was preaching, the church would
be so full that none could enter farther than the doors thereof. In his doctrine he was earnest,
in tongue eloquent, in the Scriptures perfect, in pains indefatigable, in his life exemplary.
Having preached before the king's majesty, he was soon after made bishop of Gloucester.
In that office he continued two years, and behaved himself so well that his very enemies could
find no fault with him, and after that he was made bishop of Worcester.
Dr. Hooper executed the office of a most careful and vigilant pastor, for the space of two
years and more, as long as the state of religion in King Edward's time was sound and
flourishing.
After he had been cited to appear before Bonner and Dr. Heath, he was led to the Council,
accused falsely of owing the queen money, and in the next year, 1554, he wrote an account
of his severe treatment during near eighteen months' confinement in the Fleet, and after his
third examination, January 28, 1555, at St. Mary Overy's, he, with the Rev. Mr. Rogers, was
conducted to the Compter in Southwark, there to remain until the next day at nine o'clock, to
see whether they would recant. "Come, Brother Rogers," said Dr. Hooper, "must we two take
this matter first in hand, and begin to fry in these fagots?" "Yes, Doctor," said Mr. Rogers,
"by God's grace." "Doubt not," said Dr. Hooper, "but God will give us strength;" and the
people so applauded their constancy that they had much ado to pass.
January 29, Bishop Hooper was degraded and condemned, and the Rev. Mr. Rogers was
treated in like manner. At dark, Dr. Hooper was led through the city to Newgate;
notwithstanding this secrecy, many people came forth to their doors with lights, and saluted
him, praising God for his constancy.
During the few days he was in Newgate, he was frequently visited by Bonner and others,
but without avail. As Christ was tempted, so they tempted him, and then maliciously reported
that he had recanted. The place of his martyrdom being fixed at Gloucester, he rejoiced very
much, lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven, and praising God that he saw it good to send
him among the people over whom he was pastor, there to confirm with his death the truth
which he had before taught them.
On February 7, he came to Gloucester, about five o'clock, and lodged at one Ingram's
house. After his first sleep, he continued in prayer ujntil morning; and all the day, except a
little time at his meals, and when conversing such as the guard kindly permitted to speak to
him, he spent in prayer.
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