nd queen Mary, having attached himself to the revolution
interest, he was sworn one of the council: He served in parliament
for the cities of Durham, and Westminster, at different times, and
distinguished himself by his speeches in the House of Commons, on
several important affairs. He was constituted one of the lords
commissioners of the treasury, on the 21st of March 1691, and soon after
sworn of the privy-council. In 1694 he was made chancellor and under
treasurer of the exchequer.[1] In the year 1695, when the nation was
distress'd, by the ill-state of the current coin of this kingdom,
he projected the new coining of the silver money; and by his great
prudence, and indefatigable industry brought it to bear. He likewise
proposed the issuing exchequer bills, to supply the great scarcity of
money, which has since been made use of to the great benefit of the
nation. On the 16th of February, 1697.8, the House of Commons, came to a
resolution, 'That it is the opinion of this house, that the honourable
Charles Montague, Esq; chancellor of the exchequer, for his good
services to this government, does deserve his majesty's favour.' His
next concern, was the trade to the East-Indies; the settlement of which
had been long depending, and was looked on as so nice, and difficult,
that it had been referred to the king and council, and from them to the
parliament; who on May the 26th, 1698, ordered a bill for settling the
trade to that place: Mr. Montague transacted this whole affair; and by
his industry and skill, in touching the affections of the people, raised
two-millions, by only doubling the duties on paper, parchment, and salt;
which to have done by any other means, was at that time matter of the
utmost difficulty. These proofs of affection and zeal to his majesty's
person and government, induced the king to declare him first: lord
commissioner of the treasury; and on the 16th of July, 1698, appointed
him one of the persons to whose fidelity, and honour, he reposed the
trust of lords justices of England, for the administration of government
during his absence. In the year 1700 his lordship resigned the place of
first lord commissioner of the treasury, having obtained a grant of the
office of auditor of the receipts of the exchequer, vacant by the death
of Sir Robert Howard; and on the 4th of December, the same year, was
advanced to the dignity of baron Hallifax, in the county of York.

On the accession of queen Anne, he was c