maried at Zurike) and preached in London euery day ones at the least,
This is confirmed in letters to Bullinger from Anna Hooper and from Micron (OL, I, pp. 108 and 557). An interesting passage in the Rerum, which was never reprinted, states that at first Hooper did not preach because the bishops refused to grant him a licence due to his opposition to vestments, but that he received permission to preach from the duke of Somerset (Rerum, p. 279).
[Back to Top]After he had thus practised him, in this popular and common kynde of preachyng: at length, and that not without the great profite of many, he was called to preach before the kinges maiestie, and soone after made byshop of Gloucester, by the kynges commaundemente. In that office he continued two yeres, and behaued him-
[Back to Top]self so well, that his very enemies (except it wer for his good doynges, and sharpe correcting of synne) coulde finde no faute with him: and after warde he was made Bishop of Worcester. But a gods name I cannot tell what vnlucky and sinister contention, concernyng the order and the consecration of Bishops, and of theyr apparell, with such other like small trifles, began to perturbe, and obnubilate the good lucky beginning of this godly Bishop. For as yet in the church of England, besides other ceremonies, more ambitious then profitable, they vsed to weare suche vesture and apparell, as the olde Bishops were wonte to doe. First a Shemer, and vnder that a white rochette, and a foure forked cappe. For these, and such like causes, (as he thought) tendyng more to superstition then otherwise: as he could neuer abide them, so in no wise he coulde weare thē. And therfore made supplication to þe kings maiestie, desiring his highnes of al goodnesse, either to displace him of his bishoprike, or els to dispense with him from doyng, and wearyng of such ceremonious orders, and changeable garmēts: at whose peticion the king streight waies by his graunte dispensed with him. The copy of which graunt foloweth in these wordes.
[Back to Top]RIght reuerend father, and right trusty and welbeloued, we grete you well. Whereas we by the aduise of our counsail, haue called and chosen our righte welbeloued and well worthy master Iohn Hoper, professor of diuinitie, to be our byshop of Gloucester: as well for his great knowlege, depe iudgement, and long study both in the scriptures, and other prophane learning, as also for his good discretion, redy vtterance, and honest life, for that kynde of vocation: to the intent all our louyng subiectes which ar in his said charge and els wher, might by his sound and true doctrine, learne the better their duetie towardes god, their obedience towardes vs, and loue towards their neighbors: from cōsecratyng of whom we vnderstand you do stay, because he would haue you omitte and let passe certain rites and ceremonies, offensiue to his conscience, wherby ye thynke you should fall in to the premunire of our laws: we haue thought good by the aduise aforesaid, to dispense and discharge you of all maner of dangers, penalties, and forfaitures, you should run and bee in, any maner of waie, by omittyng any of the same. And these our letters shall bee your sufficiente warrant and discharge therefore.
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Yeuen vnder oure signet at our Castell of
Wyndsore, the v. of August, the. iiii. yeare
of our reigne.
E. Somerset. VV. VViltshire. VV. North.
VV. Paget. A. VVingfield. N. VVotton.