If experience was to be trusted, a long and painful experience, there could be no effectual security against maladministration, unless the Sovereign were under the necessity of recurring frequently to his Great Council for pecuniary aid.

Almost all honest and enlightened men were therefore agreed in thinking that a part at least of the supplies ought to be granted only for short terms.

And what time could be fitter for the introduction of this new practice than the year 1689, the commencement of a new reign, of a new dynasty, of a new era of constitutional government?
The feeling on this subject was so strong and general that the dissentient minority gave way.

No formal resolution was passed; but the House proceeded to act on the supposition that the grants which had been made to James for life had been annulled by his abdication.

[38] It was impossible to make a new settlement of the revenue without inquiry and deliberation.