Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/182

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
170
TOUR THROUGH

are neat, and certainly no disgrace to the library.

The church of St. Peter, the principal one in Leyden, is a large heavy building, in the Gothic style of architecture. Like other Dutch churches, it is without pews, and the congregation are seated on chairs. It is heated by two or more large stoves, and we found its warmth very agreeable; but, notwithstanding, the Dutch ladies invariably use chauffepies. Near the pulpit is an half-hour glass, which the preacher turns when he begins his sermon, and the congregation are satisfied (probably with reason) if his discourse last no longer than till the sand is run out.

In this church were confined the English and Russian soldiers which were taken prisoner last year at Alkmaer. The Ruffians were impressed with the belief that they were preserved from immediate slaughter, to be guillotined or hanged, and perceiving three large brass chandeliers, suspended by chains from the roof of this church, they imagined