which the reformation was conducted in
that kingdom. Rage and animosity against the Catholic religion was as
little indulged as could be supposed in such a revolution: the fabric
of the secular hierarchy was maintained entire: the ancient liturgy was
preserved, so far as was thought consistent with the new principles:
many ceremonies, become venerable from age and preceding use were
retained: the splendor of the Romish worship, though removed, had at
least given place to order and decency: the distinctive habits of
the clergy, according to their different ranks, were continued: no
innovation was admitted merely from spite and opposition to former
usage: and the new religion, by mitigating the genius of the ancient
superstition, and rendering it more compatible with the peace and
interests of society, had preserved itself in that happy medium which
wise men have always sought, and which the people have so seldom been
able to maintain.

But though such in general was the spirit of the reformation in
that country, many of the English reformers, being men of more warm
complexions and more obstinate tempers, endeavored to push matters to
extremities against the church of Rome, and indulged themselves in the
most violent contrariety and antipathy to all former practices. Among
these, Hooper, who afterwards suffered for his religion with such
extraordinary constancy, was chiefly distinguished. This man was
appointed, during the reign of Edward, to the see of Glocester, and
made no scruple of accepting the episcopal office; but he refused to
be consecrated in the episcopal habit, the cymar and rochet, which had
formerly, he said, been abused to superstition, and which were thereby
rendered unbecoming a true Christian. Cranmer and Ridley were surprised
at this objection, which opposed the received practice, and even the
established laws; and though young Edward, desirous of promoting a man
so celebrated for his eloquence, his zeal, and his morals, enjoined them
to dispense with this ceremony, they were still determined to retain it.
Hooper then embraced the resolution, rather to refuse the bishopric
than clothe himself in those hated garments; but it was deemed requisite
that, for the sake of the example, he should not escape so easily. He
was first confined to Cranmer's house, then thrown into prison, till he
should consent to be a bishop on the terms proposed: he was plied with
conferences, and reprimands, and arguments: Bucer