Protestantism in England From the Times of Henry VIII - James Aitken Wylie

making war on the Pope's jurisdiction, he was
burning those who had abandoned the Pope's
religion.
Whilst listening to Cromwell, astonishment
mingled with the delight of the king: a new future
seemed to be rising before himself and his
kingdom, and Cromwell proceeded to point out the
steps by which he would realize the great objects
with which he had inspired him. The clergy, he
showed him, were in his power already. Cardinal
Wolsey had pleaded guilty to the infraction of the
law of Praemunire, but the guilt of the cardinal was
the guilt of the whole body of the clergy, for all of
them had submitted to the Legantine authority. All
therefore had incurred the penalties of Praemunire;
their persons and property were in the power of the
king, and Henry must extend pardon to them only
on condition of their vesting in himself the
supremacy of the Church of England, now lodged
in the Pope. The king saw his path clearly, and
with all the impetuosity and energy of his character
he addressed himself to the prosecution of it. He
aimed mainly at the Pope, but he would begin at
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