enting disputes about limits, which never could be exactly
determined between the contending jurisdictions. A way was also prepared
for checking the exorbitances of superstition, and breaking those
shackles by which all human reason, policy, and industry had so long
been encumbered. The prince, it may be supposed, being head of the
religion, as well as of the temporal jurisdiction of the kingdom, though
he might sometimes employ the former as an engine of government, had no
interest, like the Roman pontiff, in nourishing its excessive growth;
and, except when blinded by his own ignorance or bigotry, would be sure
to retain it within tolerable limits, and prevent its abuses. And on the
whole, there followed from this revolution many beneficial consequences;
though perhaps neither foreseen nor intended by the persons who had the
chief hand in conducting it.

While Henry proceeded with so much order and tranquillity in changing
the national religion, and while his authority seemed entirely secure
in England, he was held in some inquietude by the state of affairs in
Ireland and in Scotland.

The earl of Kildare was deputy of Ireland, under the duke of Richmond,
the king's natural son, who bore the title of lieutenant; and as
Kildare was accused of some violences against the family of Ossory, his
hereditary enemies, he was summoned to answer for his conduct. He left
his authority in the hands of his son, who, hearing that his father was
thrown into prison, and was in danger of his life, immediately took up
arms, and joining himself to Oneale, Ocarrol, and other Irish nobility,
committed many ravages, murdered Allen, archbishop of Dublin, and laid
siege to that city. Kildare meanwhile died in prison; and his son,
persevering in his revolt, made applications to the emperor, who
promised him assistance. The king was obliged to send over some forces
to Ireland, which so harassed the rebels, that this young nobleman,
finding the emperor backward in fulfilling his promises, was reduced to
the necessity of surrendering himself prisoner to Lord Leonard Gray,
the new deputy, brother to the marquis of Dorset. He was carried over to
England, together with his five uncles; and after trial and conviction,
they were all brought to public justice; though two of the uncles, in
order to save the family, had pretended to join the king's party.

The earl of Angus had acquired the entire ascendant in Scotland; and
having gotten possession of