It was known that the King had but a few hours to live; and the members asked each other anxiously whether it was likely that the Abjuration and money bills would be passed before he died.

After sitting long in the expectation of a message, the Commons adjourned till six in the afternoon.

By that time William had recovered himself sufficiently to put the stamp on the parchment which authorised his commissioners to act for him.

In the evening, when the Houses had assembled, Black Rod knocked.

The Commons were summoned to the bar of the Lords; the commission was read, the Abjuration Bill and the Malt Bill became laws, and both Houses adjourned till nine o'clock in the morning of the following day.