DOMINES AND SCHOOL-TEACHERS 93

setting a liberal example, let the wedding-guests
sign whatever they were disposed to give towards
the church. Each, then, with a light head, sub-
scribed away at a handsome rate, one competing
with the other; and although some heartily re-
pented it when their senses came back, they were
obliged nevertheless to pay."

In view of this story it was perhaps a fine
irony which inspired the inscription placed on the
church when it was finished: " Ao. Do. MDCXLIL
W. Kieft Dr. Gr. Heeft de Gemeente desen Tempel
doen Bouwen," i.e., "William Kieft, the Director-
General, has caused the congregation to build this
church." The correct interpretation, however,
probably read: "William Kieft being Director-
General, the congregation has caused this church
to be built." x

Evidently religion prospered better than educa-
tion in the colony, for the same lively witness who
reports the Bogardus affair and the generosity
stimulated by the flowing wine says also: "The
bowl has been passed around a long time for a
common school which has been built with words,
for as yet the first stone is not laid; some materials
only have been provided. However the money

xBrodhead, History of the State of New York, vol. I, p. 337 (note).