The King then made a speech in which he especially recommended to the consideration of the Houses two important subjects, the settling of the revenue and the granting of an amnesty.

He represented strongly the necessity of despatch.

Every day was precious, the season for action was approaching.

"Let not us," he said, "be engaged in debates while our enemies are in the field." [595] The first subject which the Commons took into consideration was the state of the revenue.

A great part of the taxes had, since the accession of William and Mary, been collected under the authority of Acts passed for short terms, and it was now time to determine on a permanent arrangement.