VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 357 
I felt a peculiar pang at parting from the last of my dear Cape 
Brethren, I then walked towards the Government-house, to finally 
settle with Captain Forbes about my going on board, but was 
met by the Governor, who informed me, that precisely at day- 
break, on Wednesday morning, the Zebra would leave ihe bay. 
This prolongation of time I wished to improve as much as possible, 
in the enjoyment of the company and conversation of friends. 
13th. In the forenoon, Mr. Edward Grant and Mr. D. Disandt 
accompanied me on board the Zebra, where we met Captain Forbes 
and several officers. I found every attention paid to my conveni- 
ence. Into my little private cabin, sufficient light is admitted by 
a bull's eye. 
I dined at the Rev. Mr. Hesse's, who entered upon the subject 
of his intended return to Europe. Mr. Poleman, anxious to retain 
so valuable a character at the Cape, made friendly remonstrances, 
which led our friend into a detail, to show his reasons for taking 
such a step. They were sufficiently cogent. To me it was interest- 
ing, on this occasion, to obtain some information concerning the 
duties of a Lutheran minister, which are by no means small, nor 
in their performance optional. Far from wishing to withdraw from 
these obligations, Mr. Hesse lamented, that the indifference of the 
congregation had long ago caused many of them, which were for- 
merly considered as of the greatest importance, to be abandoned, 
and that, if the minister were entirely to relax in the performance 
of his duties, it would give to most of them very little concern. 
He is now required once a year to visit the families in their dwel- 
lings, in company of an ouderling or deacon. This is generally 
done about Passion- week, but by many of his parishioners consi- 
dered an intrusion. 
They have, however, built a spacious parsonage-house, and a 
large, handsome church, and in general, behave towards their mi- 
nister with generous attention to his comforts. Externally, there- 
fore, our reverend friend had no hopes of a better situation, but that 
was not his object. The state of his health also^ and the education 
