Henry forbade the circulation of Tyndale's translation of the Bible as executed in a Protestant spirit.

The reforming measures however were pushed resolutely on.

Though the questions of Convocation and the Bishops' courts were adjourned for further consideration, the fees of the courts were curtailed, the clergy restricted from lay employments, pluralities restrained, and residence enforced.

In spite of a dogged opposition from the bishops the bills received the assent of the House of Lords, "to the great rejoicing of lay people, and the great displeasure of spiritual persons." [Sidenote: Death of Wolsey] Not less characteristic of the New Learning was the intellectual pressure it strove to bring to bear on the wavering Pope.

Cranmer was still active in the cause of Anne Boleyn; he had just published a book in favour of the divorce; and he now urged on the ministry an appeal to the learned opinion of Christendom by calling for the judgement of the chief universities of Europe.