CHAPTER XIV.

Thomas More elected Chancellor--A lay Government one of the great Facts of the Reformation--Wolsey accused of subordinating England to the Pope--He implores the King's Clemency--His Condemnation--Cromwell at Esher--His Character--He sets out for London--Sir Christopher Hales recommends him to the King--Cromwell's Interview with Henry in the Park--A new Theory--Cromwell elected Member of Parliament-- Opened by Sir Thomas More--Attack on ecclesiastical Abuses--Reforms pronounced by the Convocation--Three Bills--Rochester attacks them--Resistance of the House of Commons--Struggles--Henry sanctions the three Bills--Alarm of the Clergy and Disturbances, page 418