The Gipsies' Advocate: Or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of the English GipsiesCrabb, James
Religion
The Gipsies' Advocate: Or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of the English Gipsies
Crabb, James
Romanies -- England
"I have seen Mr ---, and have had a pleasing interview with Miss ---,
relating to the poor wanderers you wrote to me about. I have had the
man and woman at my house. After having heard H--- read, I told her
'that the leprosy she had been reading of, represented the evil of
our sinful heart; that we were born with it; that it prevailed in
every part of the soul; and that we had lived always under its
influence.' She exclaimed, _dear me_! _ I never heard the like of
that before_! _now it seems good for me to know this_. She wept
much. When I told her of the love of Christ, she appeared struck
with her own extreme ingratitude. Her expressions were so simple and
full of pathos, that my heart was quite overcome. She ran out of the
room for her husband, and on her return, said, "ah! _do talk_ to my
poor husband, just what you said to me." I found him not so
interesting, but desirous of leaving his wandering life for ever, and
get employment if possible. They have made some flower baskets for
me; and hoping they may obtain orders for more, I have recommended
them to my friends. I have heard of another family, consisting of
fourteen souls, who encamp on Bedminster Down, and there by God's
help, I intend to send a minister of Jesus, to try what can be done
for them. There is also another family expected, who have a house of
_their own_ at Bedminster, and who winter there. Should the Lord
bless our humble endeavours, we must have a regular Committee, and
set about our work in a workman-like manner; nothing short of a
Colony will satisfy me. I intend to introduce this interesting
subject at a party this evening, and hope the Lord will open the
hearts of his people, to do good to those poor benighted wanderers."
The author has also just received from a clergyman in Scotland, a most
interesting account of a colony of Gipsies in that country, where, I am
happy to observe, they do not seem so much hunted as in England. And as
the severity of their winters drive them into houses for three months,
during that season, there is offered a fair opportunity to both ministers
and kindly disposed Christians to do them good. The letter alluded to is
most gladly inserted with the view to encourage the Christian
denominations of England to imitate the benevolence, zeal, and industry
of their much respected brethren the Scotch.
"_Yetholm Hall_, _Dec._ 11_th_, 1830.
"My dear Sir,
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account