THE TOWN OF NEW ROCHELLE. 597 



was often repeated, an evidence that their piety was ardent and sincere. 

 They continued to worship after this manner, till the American Revolu- 

 tion broke out, when this part of the county became harassed and over- 

 run by the British troops. The people, in consequence, were scattered, 

 and the younger folks grew up without going to any regular place of 

 worship. 



The French church in New York had two doors, behind which boxes 

 were placed to receive the contributions of the congregation. At the 

 conclusion of the services, the minister never failed to add ' Souvenez 

 ■vous les pauvres] remember ye the poor. Upon which, every person, 

 old and young, on going out of church, dropped a copper into the box.'* 

 The money collected in this manner was divided the next morning 

 among the poor, who came regularly to receive their allowance at nine 

 o'clock in the consistory room. At that early period, a large loaf of 

 bread could be purchased for four coppers, so that this money supplied 

 the indigent for one week. It is a well known fact, that the French 

 Huguenots always made it a matter of conscience to support their own 

 poor, and the Scripture remark has more than once been applied to them. 

 ' Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging 

 bread.' The French clergy were derived from Geneva, and greatly dis- 

 tinguished for their learning. Governor Burnet, of New York, the son 

 of Bishop Burnet, was much censured for his partiality to them ; but 

 being well educated, he knew how to appreciate their merits. The 

 Huguenots were very careful in the domestic education of their children. 

 In the common sitting-room of most houses, the mantel-piece was finished 

 with Dutch tiles, containing chiefly the history of the New Testament 

 and the Parables. 6 



They were taught to learn the subject by these tiles on Sunday even- 

 ings, for at that period Sunday evening services were not common ; other 

 denominations first introduced them. The consequence has been that 

 domestic instruction has declined, a method by which children of 

 earlier days derived more benefit, than by being carried to evening 

 churches." 17 



In the possession of the late Hon. Joshua Purdy, of North Salem, was 

 (a few years ago) the original French Bible belonging to the Guion family 

 of New Rochelle, containing the forms of prayer, with the manner of 

 administering the sacraments ; celebrating marriage, and the visitation 



a Mr. Pintard remembered, as a child, to have been lifted up lor the purpose of dropping 

 his mite into the box. 



b Such may yet be seen in this place in the house of the late Mr. Samuel Davis. 



c From John Pintard's recollections, communicated by the late Mrs. Servoss of New 

 Hochelle. 



