A very precocious youth, a distinguished career was predicted for him.

He was greatly favored by Henry VIII., who constantly visited him at Chelsea, hanging upon his neck, and professing an intensity of friendship which, it is said, More always distrusted.

He was the friend and companion of Erasmus during the residence of that distinguished man in England.

More was gifted as an orator, and rose to the distinction of speaker of the House of Commons; was presented with the great seal upon the dismissal of Wolsey, and by his learning, his affability, and his kindness, became the most popular, as he seemed to be the most prosperous man in England.

But, the test of Henry's friendship and of More's principles came when the king desired his concurrence in the divorce of Catherine of Arragon.