148 
TRAVELS IN 
one morning in the week to examine young persons in the 
confession of faith. They must also compose theiiE" sermoa 
for Sunday, and learn it by heart. Their congregation 
would have little respect for their talents if it was read to 
them, though of their own composing. Nothing will do in a 
Dutch church but an extemporary rant ; and they all go to 
church in expectation of some glance being made at the pre- 
vailing topic of the day, and return satisfied or displeased ac- 
cording as the preacher has coincided with or opposed their 
sentiments on the subject of his discourse. 
The clergy have also the direction of the funds raised for 
the relief of the poor. These funds are established from weekly 
donations, made by all such as attend divine service, from le- 
gacies, and from the sums demanded by the church on the 
emancipation of slaves. The interest is applied towards the 
succour and support of those whom old age, infirmities, acci- 
cent, or the common misfortunes of life, may have rendered 
incapable of assisting themselves. This class is not very nu- 
merous in the Cape, and is composed mostly of such as have 
been denied, in their early days, the means of making any 
provision against old age ; chiefly emancipated slaves, the 
best part of whose life has been dedicated entirely to the 
service of their owners. 
An unsuccessful attempt was made some years ago to esta- 
blish a public grammar-school at the Cape, and the clergy- 
men were nominated as curators. A fund for this purpose was 
intended to be raised by subscription, and every one was ready 
to put down his name, but very few came forwards with the 
