It will be observed that this was immediately after the first declaration for liberty of conscience was issued by James II. {153} The hollowness of the king’s professions was probably discovered before any further measures had been taken: for there appears to have been some delay in the completion of the building. * * * * * The deacons just mentioned survived their excellent pastor. Two of the silver cups still used by the church in the celebration of the Lord’s supper, had been marked, at an earlier date, with a faint, perhaps with a trembling hand,— “FOR YE CH: A. H. E. F R.” This somewhat enigmatical inscription was afterwards interpreted by adding in deeply cut letters, upon one of the cups, “_To the use of the Church_. _Francis Haylock_, _Deacon_, 1690.” {154a} and upon the other, “_To the use of the Church_. _Edmund Artist_, _Deacon_, 1690.” {154b} CHAPTER VI. Subjection of events to the designs of Providence—Joseph Tate—Death of Augustine Gregory—John Killinghall—“Mr. Green”—Members received—William Nokes—Edmund Spencer—Deacons ordained—Thomas Tingey—William Lincoln—John Hurrion—Nicholas Phené—John Fell—Baxter (?) Cole—Declining state of the interest. THE wisdom of Providence is often exemplified in the disappointment of hopes, in themselves worthy to be indulged. He who turns the devices of his enemies to the accomplishment of his will, thus teaches his servants the insufficiency of all that they can do, independently of his aid and guidance, for the promotion of his glory. God does not forsake the work of his own hands; but he retains to himself the high prerogative, to choose the period and the instruments of its accomplishment. This consideration should reconcile the Christian to alternations of prosperity and adversity in the history of the churches, and should cheer the heart, and invigorate the hand, under circumstances the most discouraging. For a long series of years after Mr. Ottee’s death the church and congregation at Beccles were, from a variety of causes, in a declining state. It will be well, if the contemplation of this period lead to a grateful feeling of mind under present prosperity, and induce, for the future, watchfulness against all departures from the faith and practice of the gospel, by which alone a church of Christ can be really injured. On the 26th of October, 1691, MR. JOSEPH TATE, having previously been received into the church, was solemnly set apart to the office of its pastor.