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."^

They were taught to learn the subject by these tiles on Sunday evenings, 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 the children of earlier days derived more benefit, than by being carried to evening churches.''^

In the possession of the Hon. Joshua Purdy of North Salem is 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 of the sick, as formerly practised in the French Reformed

a Mr. Pintard remembered as a child, to have been lifted up for the purpose of dropping his mite into the box.

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

c From John Pintard's recollections, communicated by Mrs. Seryoss of Nev^ Rochelle.

Vol. I. 51

402 HISTORY OF THE

Church' of tliis pUice, one hundred and eight years ago. One of the prayers is thus entitled,

'•OrAISOX DU FIDELE detenu en CAPTIVITE."

The catechism of the French Church is also added, and the Psalms in metre with their appropriate tunes. On a blank leaf occurs the following memoranda,

Cette Bible appartient au moy Valther Himbert du Locke & de ta de fond Bourgeois Mangin Lanmille Sept cent et un FI. Au nom de dieu Issac Gieon a marie ma file le 25 d'Aiigust, 1700, par Monsieur le Roux minister de la Francaise de la Nouvelleyoik. X