An apologye made by the reuerende father and constante martyr of Christe Iohn Hooper late bishop of Gloceter and Worceter againste the vntrue and sclaunderous report that he should be a maintainer and encorager of suche as cursed the Quenes highnes that then was, Quene Marye. Wherein thou shalte see this godlye mannes innocency and modest behauioure: and the falsehode and subtyltye of the aduersaryes of Gods truth

¶The copy of the letter wher¦by Master hooper was certyfy∣ed of the takinge of a God∣lye companye in bowe churcheyarde at prayer.

MY duty humbly remembred, you heare (I know) of a god∣ly company imprisoned whi∣che were taken vppon newe yeares nighte: yet notwithstandinge for as muche (perhaps) as you knowe not perfectelye how nor wherefore, you shall vnderstande that beinge vppon their knees in ending of praier (wher¦in thei gaue god thankes, prayed for the magistrates & estates of the realm and required thinges necessary at his bountefull handes) two of my Lorde chauncelours mē (as I am informed) came first into y^t chamber wher they wer in bow churchyard & immediat∣lye afterwards folowed. M. shyryeffe with others, who cōmaunded thē all to staye in y^e king & quenes magisties name, wherunto thei humbly obeyd:

for they came not thether weapened to conspire or make any tumult, but onely like Christians, Christianlye to praye and too be instructed in the vulgare tounge by the readinge and hearinge of Gods woorde, as theyr conscience did enforce them (without the dyspleasure of God) to do. For (as you well know) there is nothing so greuouse too the paciente in this worlde, as the gnawinge and byting worme of a troubled conscience, be∣inge accused by Goddes lawe, for the wylfull transgressing of the same: as by experience we knowe by iudge Hales: who contrarye to the know∣ledge of Gods woorde, consented to the wicked traditions of the papists, Which although in name they wold be of the holye church, and preachers of the gospell of Christ: yet in facte and deede do they dissente frome the same, and mostedetest that godly so∣cietye: as by the cruell handlinge of the Christians by the prelates at this presente it doeth euidentely appear. Therefore (I saye) that they might

(without the offence of God) quietly praye together as they be taught by his worde, there assembled a Godly companye together to the number of xxx, deuyded and sente to bothe the counters, where at commaundement they yet remayne. And with master Chambers, master Monger, and the rest in the counter at breadstreate, I was yesterday: who (god be thanked) be stronge and doo reioyce, that for well doing they are imprysoned: Not doubting but y^e as god hath vouchsa∣ued to accept them worthy to sustain imprisonmente for his sake so he wil strengthen thē rather to suffer death, then to deny his truthe. As the Lord knoweth, who assist you with his ho∣lye spirite that vnto the end you may perceauer in his truthe: vnto whose tuition in my pore prayer I humbly cōmend you. 3. of Ianuary. 1554. M. Chamber. M. Monger, M. Sh. and the rest in the counter do pray for you & in Christ salute you mooste humbly.