The Lord Treasurer and the other new officers were sworn at the Chancery Bar and the exchequer.

The late King having the revenue of excise, customs, and other late duties granted for his life only, they were now farmed and let to several persons, upon an opinion that the late King might let them for three years after his decease; some of the old commissioners refused to act. The lease was made but the day before the King died;58[Pg 212] the major part of the Judges (but, as some think, not the best lawyers), pronounced it legal, but four dissented.

The clerk of the closet had shut up the late King's private oratory next the Privy-chamber above, but the King caused it to be opened again, and that prayers should be said as formerly.