He went over again to France, but not many other pious men were using every being safe there, he travelled into Germany; means in their power to make them acquaint from thence he went to Basil, where he ed with the principles of the Christian re married a pious woman, and afterwards set-ligion. In this pious undertaking, no one tled some time at Zurich, in Switzerland: was more forward than Dr. Hooper; at al there he applied closely to his studies, and times,"in season, and out of season," he was made himself master of the Hebrew lan- ready to discharge his duty as a faithful min guage. ister of the gospel.

At length, when the true religion was set After he had preached some time, with up after the death of king Henry VIII. great success, in the city, he was sent for amongst other English exiles that returned by Edward VI., who appointed him one of hi was Mr. Hooper. In the most grateful man- chaplains, and soon after made him bisho ner he returned thanks to all his friends of Gloucester, by letters-patent under the abroad, who had shown him so much compas- great seal; having at the same time the sion; particularly to the learned Bullinger, care of the bishopric of. Worcester commit who was a great friend to all those who were ted to him.

persecuted for the gospel. When he took an As Dr. Hooper had been some time abroad affectionate leave of Bullinger, he told him he had contracted an aversion to the popis that he would write to him as often as he ceremonies, and before he went to his bist could find an opportunity, but added, "proba-opric, he requested of the king that he migh bly I shall be burned to ashes, and then some not be obliged to give countenance to them friend will give you information." Another which request the monarch complied with circumstance should not be omitted in this though much against the inclinations of th place, and that is, that when he was ap- other bishops. Dr. Hooper, and his breth pointed bishop of Gloucester and Worcester, ren of the reformed church, had many the herald, who emblazoned his arms, put putes about the Romish tenets, which show the figure of a lamb in a fiery-bush, with the that there are some remains of corruptio rays of glory descending from heaven on the in the best of men. Some persons seek ho lamb, which had such an effect on Dr. Hooper, ors with unwearied zeal, and seem to tak that he said he knew he should die for the more pleasure in titles, than in considerin truth; and this consideration inspired him that an elevated rank only increases the with courage. But to return to our nar- cessity of being more observant of our dut rative. Dr. Hooper differed from these men, fo When Dr. Hooper arrived in London, he instead of seeking preferments, he wou was so much filled with zeal to promote the never have accepted of any, had they gospel, that he preached every day to crowded been pressed on him. Having the care congregations. In his sermons he reproved two dioceses, he held and guided them be sinners in general, but particularly directed together, as if they had been but one. his discourse against the peculiar vices of leisure time, which was but little, he spe the times. in hearing causes, in private prayer, The abuses he complained of were owing reading the scriptures. He likewise vist to a variety of causes: the nobility had got the schools, and encouraged youth in th the church-lands, and the clergy were not pursuit of learning. He had children of t only seditious in their conduct, but ignorant own, whom he likewise instructed, even to a proverb. This occasioned a scene treated them with all the tenderness of of general immorality among all ranks and good parent, but without the indulgence degrees of people, which furnished pious a weak one." men with sufficient matter for reproof.

He kept open house, with provisions for t

H

In his doctrine, Hooper was clear, plain, poor, which was a very pious and necess eloquent, and persuasive, and so much fol- action in those times, because many perso lowed by all ranks of people, that the churches who had been driven out of the conver could not contain them. roved up and down the country starvin Although no man could labor more inde-He relieved a certain number of these eve fatigably in the Lord's vineyard, yet Hooper day, and when they had satisfied their h had a most excellent constitution, which he ger he delivered a discourse to them on t supported by temperance, and was therefore principles of the Christian religion. enabled to do much good. In the whole of After this manner, bishop Hooper contin his conversation with those who waited on ed to discharge his duty as a faithful pass him in private, he spoke of the purity of the during the whole of king Edward's reg gospel, and of the great things of God, cau- But no sooner was Mary proclaimed, than tioning the people against returning to serjeant-at-arms was sent to arrest our b popery, if any change in the government op, in order to answer to two charges: should take place. This was the more ne- First, to Dr. Heath, who had been depriv cessary, as the people in general were but of the diocese of Gloucester for his adhe all grounded, though Cranmer, Ridley, and ence to popery, but was now restored by

queen: secondly, to Dr. Bonner, bishop of six days after I paid five pounds sterling to London, for having given evidence to king the warden for fees, for my liberty; who imEdward against that persecuting prelate. mediately, upon payment thereof, complained Bishop Hooper was desired, by some of unto the bishop of Winchester, upon which his friends, to make his escape, but his an- I was committed to close prison one quarter swer was, "I once fled for my life, but I am of a year in the Tower-chamber of the Fleet, now determined, through the strength and and used extremely ill. Then, by the means grace of God, to witness the truth to the of a good gentlewoman, I had liberty to last." come down to dinner and supper, not suffered Being brought before the queen and coun- to speak with any of my friends; but as soon cil, Gardiner, sitting as president, accused as dinner and supper was done, to repair to bishop Hooper of heresy, calling him by the my chamber again. Notwithstanding, whilst most opprobrious names. This was in Sep-I came down thus to dinner and supper, the tember, 1553, and although he satisfactorily warden and his wife picked quarrels with answered the charges brought against him, me, and complained untruly of me to their he was committed to prison on the pretence great friend the bishop of Winchester. of being indebted to the queen in several "After one quarter of a year, Babington sums of money. On the 19th of March, the warden, and his wife, fell out with me, 1554, when he was called again to appear respecting the wicked mass: and thereupon before Gardiner, the chancellor, and several the warden resorted to the bishop of Win⚫ other bishops, would not suffer him to plead chester, and obtained to put me into the his cause, but deprived him of his bishopric. wards, where I have continued a long time, Being asked whether he was a married having nothing appointed to me for my bed, man, he answered in the affirmative, and de- but a little pad of straw and a rotten coverclared that he would not be unmarried, till ing, with a tick and a few feathers therein, death occasioned the separation; because he the chamber being vile and stinking, until, looked upon the marriage of the clergy as by God's means, good people sent me bednecessary, and legal. ding to lie on. On one side of the prison is

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The more they attempted to browbeat the sink and filth of the house, and on the him, the more resolute he became, and the other the town ditch, so that the stench of more pertinent in his answers. He pro- the house hath infected me with sundry disduced the decrees of the council of Nice, eases. which first ascertained the canon of scrip- During which time I have been sick, ture, where it was ordained to be lawful, as and the doors, bars, hasps, and chains being well as expedient, for the clergy to marry. all closed upon me, I have mourned, called, These arguments were to little purpose with and cried for help: but the warden, when men who had their instructions from the he hath known me many times ready to die, queen, and were previously determined to punish him; the good bishop was therefore committed to the Tower, but afterwards removed to the Fleet.

and when the poor men of the wards have called to help me, hath commanded the doors to be kept fast, and charged that none of his men should come at me, saying, 'Let As the determination for burning him was him alone, it were a good riddance of him.' not agreed on, he was only considered as a "I paid always like a baron to the said debtor to the queen, for the rents of his warden, as well in fees, as for my board, bishopric, which was the reason of his being which was twenty shillings a week, besides sent to the Fleet. This, however, was a most my man's table, until I was wrongfully deunjust charge; for the Protestant religion prived of my bishoprics, and, since that time, had been established in the first year of the I have paid him as the best gentleman doth reign of her brother Edward, by act of par- in his house; yet hath he used me worse, liament; so that Dr. Hooper's acceptance of and more vilely, than the veriest slave that a bishopric was in all respects legal and con- ever came to the common side of the prison. stitutional. "The warden hath also imprisoned my

As a debtor, he was to have the rules of man, William Downton, and stripped him the Fleet, which the warden granted him out of his clothes to search for letters, and for five pounds sterling; but went immedi- could find none, but a little remembrance of ately and informed Gardiner, who, notwith-good people's names who had given me their standing he had paid the money, ordered alms to relieve me in prison; and to undo him to be closely confined. them also, the warden delivered the same The following account of his cruel treat- bill unto the said Stephen Gardiner, God's ment while confined here, was written by enemy and mine. himself, and affords a picture of popish barbarity, which cannot fail to make a due impression on our readers.

"I have suffered imprisonment almost eighteen months, my goods, livings, friends, and comfort taken from me; the queen owing "The first of September, 1553, I was com- me, by just account, fourscore pounds or mitted unto the Fleet, from Richmond, to more. She hath put me in prison, and giveth have the liberty of the prison; and within nothing to keep me, neither is there suffered

any one to come at me, whereby I might Upon this he lifted up his eyes and hards to have relief. I am with a wicked man and heaven, praising God that he was to die woman, so that I see no remedy (saving among his people, as it would be the means God's help,) but I shall be cast away in of confirming them in the truth of what he prison before I come to judgment. But I had taught them. He immediately sent to commit my just cause to God, whose will his servant for his boots and cloak, that he be done, whether it be by life or death." might be in readiness to attend the officers After he had been eighteen months in whenever they should come for him. prison, on the 22d of January, 1555, the About four in the morning he was taken warden of the Fleet was ordered to bring out of prison by the sheriff, and conducted to him before the chancellor Gardiner, who, the sign of the Angel, near St. Dunstan's with other bishops, were appointed to exam-church, Fleet-street. There he was received ine him a second time, at Gardiner's palace by the queen's officers, who had the warrant in Southwark. for his execution; after which they permitted

When brought before these merciless per- him to take some refreshment. secutors, the chancellor made a long speech About break of day he cheerfully mounted to him, desiring him to forsake the opinions on horseback without help, having a hood on he had embraced, and return to the bosom of his head under his hat, that he should not the church; adding, that as the pope was be known; and thus equipped, with a serene the head of the church, so it was breaking and cheerful countenance, proceeded on the through her unity to separate from her. He road for Gloucester, attended by his keepers. promised to procure him the pope's absolu- The guards asked him what houses he was tion if he would recant his opinions; but this accustomed to use on the road; and when was merely an ostentatious pretence to they were informed, in order to perplex him, mercy; for Gardiner knew, that Hooper was they took him to others. too well grounded in his religious opinions, to comply with his request.

To this Dr. Hooper answered, that as the pope's doctrine was contrary to the sacred scriptures, and as he could not be the head of the church, because there was no head of it but Christ, so he would live and die asserting the doctrines he had taught.

On the Thursday following they arrived at Cirencester, a town in his own diocese, and about eleven miles from Gloucester, where they dined at the house of a woman who had always hated the Protestants, and traduced bishop Hooper's character as much as possible. This woman, seeing his constancy, was so affected, that she lamented Gardiner replied, that the queen would his case with tears, and begged his pardon never show any mercy to the enemies of the for the manner in which she had spoken of pope; whereupon Babington, the warden, him.

was commanded to take him back to the Dinner being over, they proceeded to Fleet. It was likewise ordered, that he Gloucester, where they arrived about five in should be shifted from his former chamber, the afternoon. A great crowd of people which was done; and he was searched, to were assembled about a mile without the find, if possible, whether he had any books town; so that one of the guard, fearing a concealed about him, but none were found. rescue, rode up to the mayor's house, to deOn the 25th of January he was again mand aid and assistance. This being granted. brought before the chancellor to be exam- the people dispersed.

ined, and was again asked whether or not Hooper was that night lodged in the house he would recant; but nothing could shake of one Ingram, where he ate his supper with his constancy. a good appetite, and slept very quietly, s

On Monday morning, February 4, the the guard declared, for they continued m bishop of London went to the prison to de- the chamber with him all the night. In the grade him, which thing was done in the morning he got up, and having prayed most usual form, by putting the different robes fervently, was visited by Sir Anthony Kings upon him worn by priests, and then taking ton, who was one of the persons appointed to them off. They did not put on him the bish- see him executed. When Sir Anthony ene op's robes, because they did not admit of the into the chamber he found him at his pretvalidity of his ordination. While they were ers, and waiting till he had done, asked if stripping him of these Romish rags, he told he did not know him. To this bishop Hooper them he was glad to part with them, be- answered, that he did know him, and was cause his mind had been always against glad to see him in good health. He added, them, and considered them as no better than that he was come there to end his life, a heathenish relics; as in fact they were, for blessed God that it was to be in the misst the same kind of robes were worn by the of his own diocese. He said he loved life, as priests before the time of Constantine the well as it ought to be loved, but he was not Great. to enjoy it at the expense of his future wel

A few hours after he was degraded, the fare. He was not to blaspheme his Savior keeper came to him and told him, he was to by denying his name, through which alone Le sent down to Gloucester to suffer death. he looked for salvation; but trusted that he

should be endowed with fortitude sufficient ing, he desired that no person whatever to bear all the torments his enemies could should disturb him in his devotions, till the inflict upon him. officers came to lead him out to execution.

Sir Anthony Kingston had profited much About eight o'clock, the lord Chandois, atfrom the preaching of bishop Hooper, and tended by several other noblemen and gentaking his leave, told him, with tears, that tlemen, came to conduct him to the place of he was extremely sorry to lose so worthy a execution; and at nine, Dr. Hooper was person. Dr. Hooper answered, that it was ready. Being brought down from his chamhis duty to persevere in the truth, and not ber, when he saw the guards, he told the to be ashamed of the gospel, lest Christ sheriffs he was no traitor, but one who was should refuse to acknowledge him before his willing to die for the truth; and that if they Father in heaven. would have permitted him, he would have The same day, in the afternoon, a poor willingly gone unguarded to the stake, withblind boy came to visit bishop Hooper, and out troubling any officers. Afterwards, lookfalling on his knees before him, said, "Ah, ing upon the multitude of people that were my lord, I am blind in my eyes, but your assembled, above seven thousand in number, pious instructions have removed a spiritual he said, "Alas! why are so many people asblindness from my heart. May God support sembled? I dare not speak to them as foryou under all your sufferings, and bring you, merly." even through flames, to heaven!"

Several other persons visited the bishop, amongst whom was a very wicked man, a bigoted papist, who had known him formerly. This man upbraided him with what he called his heresy; but Hooper bore all his insults with patience and meekness.

He was led forward between the two sheriffs, as a lamb to the slaughter, having on a gown which the man of the house, where he was confined, had lent him; and being much afflicted with an illness he had contracted in prison, he was obliged to walk with a staff in his hand. The sheriffs having commanded The time appointed for the execution of him not to speak one word, he was not seen this pious bishop drawing nigh, he was de- to open his mouth, but beholding the people, livered to the sheriffs of Gloucester, who, who mourned bitterly, he sometimes lifted with the mayor and aldermen, repaired to up his eyes towards heaven, and looked his lodgings, and at the first meeting, having cheerfully upon such as he knew; and, insaluted him, took him by the hand. The re-deed, his countenance was more cheerful signed martyr thanked the mayor, with the than it had been for a long time before. rest of the officers, for taking a condemned When he was brought to the stake, he em-` man by the hand, and for all the friendship braced it, and looked smilingly at a place where that had formerly subsisted between them, he used formerly to preach. He then kneeled for he had long been acquainted with them. down to pray, and beckoned several times to He begged of the sheriffs that they would one whom he knew well, to come near to make the fire as violent as possible, that his hear him, that he might give a faithful acpains might be of the shorter duration; add-count of what he said, after his death, as he ing, that he might have had his life if he was not permitted to speak aloud. When chose it, but could not, consistently with he had been some time at prayer, a pardon that duty he owed to God, and his own con- was brought, and offered to him, on condiscience. He said, he knew the bishop of tion that he would recant; but neither promRome was Antichrist, and therefore he could not be obedient to him. He desired they would not deny his request, but let him suffer as soon as possible, without exercising any unnecessary cruelty, which was unbecoming the dignity of men of honor.

ises of pardon, nor threatenings of punishment, had any effect on him; so immovable was he in the faith, and so well established in the principles of the gospel.

Prayers being ended, he prepared himself for the stake, by taking off his landlord's A consultation was held by the sheriffs, gown, which he delivered to the sheriffs, rewhether or not they should lodge him, the questing them to see it restored to the owner. evening before his execution, in the common He then took off the rest of his clothes, exgaol over the north gate of the city; but the cept his doublet and hose, in which he inguards who had brought him from London, tended to be burned; but the sheriff's not interceded so earnestly in his favor, that he permitting that, he patiently submitted.was permitted to remain in his former lodg- After this, a pound of gunpowder was placed ings; and he spent the evening in prayer, between his legs, and the same quantity un together with as much of the night as he der each arm; three chains were then fixed could spare from his ordinary rest. The round him, one to his neck, another to his believer, who is to rest in Christ Jesus middle, and a third to his legs; and with throughout the endless ages of eternity, may these he was fastened to the stake. well enjoy an hour's sleep, before the con- This being done, fire was put to the fag mencement of even the most excruciating ots; but they being green, he suffered inex pressible torment. Soon after this, a load When bishop Hooper arose in the morn- of dry fagots was brought, but still the wind

tortures.

hlew away the flames; so that he begged for Such was the end of one of the most emimore, that he might be put out of his misery. nent fathers of the church of England; and At length the fire took effect, and the surely that religion which could support him martyr triumphantly ascended into heaven, under such dreadful tortures, must be of after such a fiery trial as almost exceeds any God. Fanaticism and superstition may give thing we meet with in the primitive ages. resolution; but it is only the divine influHis last words were, "Lord Jesus, have ence of pure religion which can bestow mercy upon me'; enable me to bear my suf- calmness in the hour of death. ferings for thy name's sake, and receive my

spirit."

SECTION III.

Sufferings and Martyrdom of Dr. Rowland Taylor.

DR. ROWLAND TAYLOR was born in the tinued to discharge his duty. at Hadleigh, as town of Hadleigh, in Suffolk, which was one long as king Edward lived; but no sooner of the first places in England that received was that pious monarch dead, than affairs the gospel; and here he preached constantly took a different turn. during the reign of king Edward. Arch- And here we may observe, that if a man bishop Cranmer, who was a good judge of be ever so. pious; if he be ever so faithful in merit, and loved to reward it in learned men, the discharge of his duty, yet he will meet took him into his family, and presented him with many enemies: this was the case with to the living of Hadleigh. Here he proved Dr. Taylor. In his parish, notwithstanding himself a most excellent preacher, and a all his endeavors to suppress popery, yet some faithful pastor. He made himself acquaint-papists remained; and their hatred of his ed with every individual in his parish; he doctrine was extended to the preacher, and taught them like the apostles and primitive rendered them blind to his excellencies. Christians, who went from house to house. Two of these persons, named Clarke and The love of Christ wrought so strongly on Foster, hired a Romish priest to come to his mind, that every Sunday and holiday, he Hadleigh to say mass. For this purpose, preached in the most fervent manner to his they ordered an altar to be built with all people. convenient speed, and appointed that mass Nor did he restrict himself to preaching: should be said on Palm Sunday. But the his life was one continued comment on his reformers met together in the evening, and doctrine: it was a life of holiness: he studi- pulled down the altar; it was, however, built ed nothing so much as to do good; was a up again, and a watch was appointed, lest it stranger to pride; and was clothed with hu- should be demolished a second time. mility. He was particularly attentive to the The day following, Clarke and Foster poor, and his charity was bounded only by came, bringing along with them their popish his ability. While he rebuked sinners for priest, who was to perform the service of their enormities, he was ready to relieve mass. The priest was dressed in his robes their wants. This was a godlike disposition, for the occasion, and had a guard with him, and the characteristic of a true Christian. lest he should be interrupted by the popu In the course of his ministerial labors, he lace.

often met with opposition, and even with When Dr. Taylor heard the bells ring, he abuse; but he attended to the maxim laid went into the church to know the reason, down by the apostle, that we must go through but found the doors of the chancel barred evil, as well as through good report. He against him. However, getting within the was a married man, but never sat down to chancel, he saw the popish priest at the aldinner with his family, without first inqui- tar, attended by a great number of people, ring whether the poor wanted any thing. with their swords drawn. The doctor acTo those who were distressed, he gave re- cused the priest of idolatry, but the priest lief before he ate any thing himself. He retorted upon him, and called him traitor, familiarized himself with all ranks of men, for disobeying the queen's proclamation. Dr. in order that he might win them to the Taylor said he was no traitor, but a minister knowledge and practice of the truth. He of the gospel, commanded to teach the peowas an indulgent, tender, affectionate hus-ple; and then ordered the popish priest to band, and brought up his children in the retire, as one who came in there to poison fear of God, well knowing, that to lay a good the flock of Christ with his most abominable foundation is the only way to secure a beau- doctrines. Foster, who was principally contiful superstructure. cerned in this affair, called Dr. Taylor a traiIn this excellent manner, Dr. Taylor con- tor, and violently dragged him out of the