At the outset of his reign Parliament showed its power by changing the
succession and making Henry King instead of young Edmund Mortimer, the
direct hereditary heir to the crown. Though successful in crushing
rebellion, Henry was obliged to submit to the guidance of a council.
Furthermore, he was made more entirely dependent on Parliament,
especially in the matter of supplies, than any previous King, for the
House of Commons now got and held control of the nation's purse. For
the first time in English history heresy was made punishable by death;
yet such was the restraining influence of the people, that but two
executions took place in Henry IV's reign.