the money appropriated, and the choice of design delegated to the committee. This monument was removed to the new church upon its erection in Stuyvesant Square, and though it was destroyed in the fire of 1865 the vestry replaced it by another, which graces the chancel of St. George's, a continual memorial of Dr. Milnor's distinguished services and revered personality.

CHAPTER VII

THE TYNG PERIOD

(1845-1851)

THE importance of prompt action to secure a suitable successor to the Rev. Dr. Milnor, to maintain the principles for which he had so steadfastly contended, and to prosecute the plans which he had outlined for the extension of St. George's influence and work, was felt by every one. Nor was it difficult to make a choice, as in the minds of both the vestry and the congregation the thought of Dr. Tyng was uppermost. The vestry on the 24th of April, after a full mutual expression of views, commissioned three of its members to proceed to Philadelphia and consult with the Rev. S. H. Tyng, D.D., as to the probability of his acceptance of the rectorate, should it be tendered him." In the execution of their mission, the committee laid before him the condition of the parish, its outlook for the future, the importance of the sphere of usefulness which it presented, and their readiness to make ample provision for his support. On the report of the two gentlemen who visited Philadelphia, Mr. William Whitlock, Jr., and Mr. F. S. Winston, the Rev. Dr. Tyng was on May 1st unanimously elected rector at a salary of three thousand dollars and the use of the rectory, and a certified copy of this action was inclosed to him with the following letter of Mr. Winston as clerk of the vestry:

rector.

It gives me great pleasure to add that the foregoing resolution was not only passed with entire unanimity, but with great cordiality, and with the earnest wish and expectation that you may consider it your duty to occupy the important position left vacant by your friend, our late venerated The vestry were fully informed of the conversation which took place between yourself and the committee on the subject of an increased appropriation for your support, should it become necessary, and concurred in the views and pledges made you by the latter. We think, therefore, that you may dismiss all anxiety in reference to your pecuniary affairs, other than a wise and judicious regulation of them, should you accede to our wishes. You will meet an affectionate congregation, who will welcome

you with warm hearts, and appreciate, and, I trust, profit by your ministrations among them.

In his interview with the committee, Dr. Tyng had evinced considerable reluctance to sever the happy associations of sixteen years in Philadelphia and especially the close ties which bound him to his beloved people in the Church of the Epiphany. He felt, moreover, hesitant to undertake to fill the place of his revered friend whose ability and personality he had long held in high esteem. But the consideration of duty outweighed every other, and he sent the following letter of acceptance under date May 23, 1845:

To The Wardens and Vestry of St. George's Church.

By the guidance of divine Providence I have been led to the determination to accept the rectorship of St. George's Church, to which I was called by your resolution.

I shall hope to enter upon the immediate discharge of the duties connected therewith, and shall expect under the Lord's blessing to occupy the pulpit on a week from next Sunday. I trust it may be the will of God to bless me in this position with His abundant grace, and to enable me to carry forward a ministry in its principles and character such as that to which the congregation of St. George's Church has been long accustomed.

I thank you for your kind promises made in your resolution, for the residence and support of my family, and I have no doubt that whatever will be found necessary for me, you will be found as ready and willing to supply.

I earnestly pray for God's blessing upon you as a Church, and upon yourselves and families individually. May the gracious presence of our

Saviour and Redeemer be with you.

I am respectfully and affectionately your friend and servant,

STEPHEN H. TYNG.

On the Sunday named he began his ministry preaching on the text," They said the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha," II. Kings 2:15. After fit reference to the historical incident he said:

The application which I purpose to make of this testimony will be very manifest. My venerated friend, whose successor I have been appointed (though most unworthy), was the advocate and teacher of a very specific system, both of Christian truth and of Christian duty, a system in all its principles and points easily perceived and easily defined. Of this system, he was long one of the most important and influential representatives in our Church. And I mean it to be most distinctly understood, that there is a perfect identity, so far as I know, of sentiment, and purpose, and principle, in the ministry which God has been pleased to appoint to succeed him. So that, however there may be diversity of method, and inferiority in wisdom and power and respect in the succession to his work, yet in doctrine and design and effort, if God shall please to bless us, 'the spirit of Elijah shall rest on Elisha.' We have no wish to conceal or to qualify