A Historical Survey of the Customs, Habits, & Present State of the GypsiesHoyland, John
History
A Historical Survey of the Customs, Habits, & Present State of the Gypsies
Hoyland, John
Romanies
Nor in this favoured land, where there are so many who zealously
embrace the doctrines of Christianity, would there, I trust, be
wanting both one, or more persons, who would devote themselves to
this truly apostolic work; and benevolent individuals who would open
their hearts and their purses, for the support and encouragement of
such an undertaking. This labour of love would doubtless prove less
arduous, than the attempts which have been made to establish missions
among the American Indians; the natives of the South-Seas; or the
inhabitants of Southern Africa.
The dread of the magistracy in this country, would prove a protection
from personal injury, while the painful relinquishment of friends and
country would not be required. I will also beg leave to mention
another suggestion: I have understood that, in different parts of the
kingdom, the neighbouring clergy meet at stated times, for the
purpose of conversing on the important duties of their pastoral
office. At such times, would it not be well to take into
consideration, the perishing condition of so large a part of the
community, as that, which forms the subject of this letter? Some
plan might probably be thus devised, which, through the blessing of
the Lord, would prove effectual for the salvation of this out-cast,
and hitherto neglected people.
I would also take the liberty of recommending the cause of these
unhappy partners of our kind, to the humanity of our dissenting
brethren; and most earnestly solicit Christians of all denominations,
to unite in prayer to the God of all grace, that he would prosper
every attempt which may be made, to communicate to them the knowledge
of His will. I trust, Sir, I shall obtain your excuse for detaining
you on this important subject; and as I know your pages are read and
valued, by real Christians of various denominations, perhaps they
may, through the Divine Providence, be the means of exciting
effectual attention, to the spiritual wants of this deplorable set of
beings; and the same benevolence which induced you to exert your
talents and influence in behalf of the oppressed negroes, may be
again successfully employed, in ameliorating the condition of a
numerous class of our fellow-creatures, who are second only to them
in wretchedness, and spiritual misery.
I am, &c. FRATERNICUS.
* * * * *
_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {205}
The insertion of the letter of “Fraternicus,” on the moral and
religious state of the Gypsies, in a late number of your work,
(August, p. 496) implies, I presume, an approbation of its contents.
It is a subject that cannot fail to interest the feelings of a real
Christian.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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