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
care of the captain of the gang, and of his wife, the woman who could
read.
"Now, I said, let us all kneel down on the grass, and pray for God's
blessing with this holy book. Instantly a female brought from her tent a
small piece of carpet, and spread it before me on the grass, for me to
kneel upon; and then all kneeling down, I prayed that the minds of these
miserable outcasts of society might be enlightened, to discover the
exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the blessedness and efficiency of the
Saviour; that the sacred book given them through the influence of the
Holy Ghost, might lead them into the way of righteousness, and finally
guide them to everlasting life. When we rose from our knees, gratitude
was seen in every countenance, and expressed by every tongue. '_God
bless you_, _sir_; _thank you_, _sir_;' echoed throughout the camp."
The next evening this clergyman went again to the camp, when one of the
Gipsies came to meet him, and informed him of the arrival of some of
their relatives. "I shook hands with them," says the clergyman, "and
asked of their welfare. Never was a king received with a more hearty
welcome, or with greater attention and respect.
"As I was expected, the utmost order, cleanliness, and quiet, prevailed
throughout the camp; and all were dressed in their best clothes to
receive me. The arrangement of my congregation was much the same as the
preceding evening. I spoke to them of the blessed Jesus; his birth, his
ministry, his death, passion, and grace; and his glory at his second
coming _in the clouds of heaven_, _to judge the world in righteousness_.
I spoke also of death, and of the immortality of the soul.
"I had not proceeded far in my lecture, before several farmers and
passengers, some on horse back, and others on foot, joined my
congregation.
"Before concluding my address, I said, 'It may seem singular to some of
you that a stranger should interest himself on your behalf in the way I
have done; and it might be expected that I should give some reasons for
doing as I have. My chief reason is a sense of duty. Gipsies have long
been neglected, and left to perish in their sins; but Gipsies have souls
equally precious as others, and of equal price in the sight of God. Who,
I asked, cares for the souls of Gipsies? who uses means for their
instruction in righteousness? Yet must it be equally our duty to care
for them, and to endeavour their conversion and happiness, as to plan
societies, obtain subscriptions, and send out missionaries to the
heathen.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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