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
I have no doubt, but that in these times of active benevolence and
zeal, when a good plan is laid, and funds provided, instruments will
be found, who with love in their hearts, will go seek those wandering
sheep in the wilderness, for whom no man hath yet cared.
Many good hints, Mr. Editor, are often fruitless for want of
immediate attention; and many a good work long talked of is not only
suspended, but never begun, for want of some one to put forth the
hand and begin. I for one, say to your two correspondents, “let us
arise and build; let us begin; there is no fear of progress and
help.”
I remain, &c. MINIMUS.
* * * * *
_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {208}
_June_ 13, 1809.
I was afraid the Gypsies had been quite forgotten; and therefore it
gives me real pleasure to see, by your last number, for May 1809,
that another correspondent has taken up their cause. If the subject
was once fairly before the public, I am persuaded it would interest
the feelings of many amongst us; and should good arise from it, which
with God’s help and blessing, could not fail to be the case, we might
confidently look forward to a daily increasing fund for its support.
Surely when our charity is flowing in so wide a channel, conveying
the blessings of the gospel to the most distant quarters of the
globe, we shall not hesitate to water this one barren and neglected
field, in our own land.
My attention was first drawn to the state of this miserable class of
human beings, by the letter of “Fraternicus;” and looking upon it as
a reproach to our country, that amidst the great light which
prevails, so many of its children should be walking in darkness and
the shadow of death, I was anxious to contribute something out of my
abundance, towards their spiritual welfare. I perfectly agree with
your correspondent, that no time should be lost in devising some
plan, which may give consistency and effect to this work of faith,
and labour of love. In this short and uncertain life, no
opportunities of usefulness should be neglected. It is a call which
may never again be repeated. I am ready and desirous, to give
Minimus the proposed meeting; and the time and place might be
appointed through the medium of the Christian Observer.
I must however premise, that the writer of this is a very humble
individual in all respects, both in abilities, and in influence. My
habits are very retired, and at present, my time is occupied in
attending to the ministerial duties of a populous village. I shall
most gladly adhere to my first proposal, and might be induced to do
more, if need required.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account