press the sentiment of the vestry when they say, that if there should be any consideration which renders it imperative, or necessary that there be some interval between the acceptance of the call, and the entrance upon duty, we feel quite disposed to accord it. Hoping for an early reply, we remain your friends, Senior Warden S. M. Valentine CHAPTER IV THE BROOKS PERIOD 1875-1895 HE call to become rector of the Incarnation was TH delivered to the Rev. Arthur Brooks, at his residence in Chicago, by a vestryman of the church. Mr. Brooks had set his heart on spending his life in the west, and in this call to leave there he could not at once recognize that "Divinity which shapes our ends." At this time he was considering an election to the rectorship of St. Luke's Church, Philadelphia. Before deciding between the two calls he visited New York, and found every condition in the parish attractive. Having given due consideration to the matter, and after advising with his brother Phillips, Mr. Brooks declined the call to Philadelphia, and accepted that to the parish of the Incarnation, New York. The letter of acceptance received from the Rev. Mr. Brooks was dated Chicago, February 15th, 1875. To the Vestry of the Church of the Incarnation, Gentlemen: New York. At a meeting of the vestry of St. James' Church, Chicago, held a few days since, my resignation as rector was accepted. This leaves me free to accept your call to take charge of the Church which you represent. I do so, with a full sense of the importance of the position, and of the responsibilities which I assume in its acceptance. I take that position rely- With warmest feelings of esteem, I remain, Yours very truly, Arthin Brooks. When the Rev. Arthur Brooks came to New York he found a well-equipped and active parish to welcome him. Like a ship under full sail, whose captain had been suddenly stricken, the parish was forging ahead, and in line with the older and richer ones of the city. Under the late rector the congregation had largely increased, and had been educated to systematic giving, and to take interest in the home and foreign missionary work of the |