“Dear Sir,“In answer to your inquiries, I have to say, that within my knowledge, little or nothing has as yet been accomplished for the Gipsies. The Home Missionaries have frequently paid flying visits to their camps, and prayed, read, preached and distributed tracts. In all cases they have been treated with much respect, and their labour has been repaid with the most sincere marks of gratitude. But I never met with very warm support in carrying on this object, but was often exposed to some sarcastical insinuations or sardonic smiles from those who thought the attempt to ameliorate the condition of the Gipsies, only Quixotic.“I think their wandering life is one very great impediment in the way of improving the Gipsy tribes, and yet they are so attached to it, that, when taken into families, as servants, they will not stay. Nor can any good be done to their children; for, like all wild people, the parents are attached to them to a fault; so that they cannot allow them to be absent from them even to enjoy the instruction of a school, suspecting that such a separation might end in their final disunion.“Were a distinct society formed to effect a reformationamong the Gipsies, many of the nobility, and other classes of the higher orders, would no doubt subscribe. There is a feeling among them on the subject, and many times the formation of a society has been on the tapis. The Gipsies are singularly attached to the Establishment, and many of them are married at the parish churches; and it is a pity the episcopalian body have not taken them up. There is a prejudice against them which I think is unfounded; but I cannot enter into details in a mere letter. People look on them as vagabonds, andtheyseem shy in return; and hence they continue a kind of outcast body in a civilized country.“If any further steps are taken, and if I can in any way assist in promoting your good object, you may command my services.“I am, dear sir, respectfully yours,“I. Cobbin.”
“Dear Sir,
“In answer to your inquiries, I have to say, that within my knowledge, little or nothing has as yet been accomplished for the Gipsies. The Home Missionaries have frequently paid flying visits to their camps, and prayed, read, preached and distributed tracts. In all cases they have been treated with much respect, and their labour has been repaid with the most sincere marks of gratitude. But I never met with very warm support in carrying on this object, but was often exposed to some sarcastical insinuations or sardonic smiles from those who thought the attempt to ameliorate the condition of the Gipsies, only Quixotic.
“I think their wandering life is one very great impediment in the way of improving the Gipsy tribes, and yet they are so attached to it, that, when taken into families, as servants, they will not stay. Nor can any good be done to their children; for, like all wild people, the parents are attached to them to a fault; so that they cannot allow them to be absent from them even to enjoy the instruction of a school, suspecting that such a separation might end in their final disunion.
“Were a distinct society formed to effect a reformationamong the Gipsies, many of the nobility, and other classes of the higher orders, would no doubt subscribe. There is a feeling among them on the subject, and many times the formation of a society has been on the tapis. The Gipsies are singularly attached to the Establishment, and many of them are married at the parish churches; and it is a pity the episcopalian body have not taken them up. There is a prejudice against them which I think is unfounded; but I cannot enter into details in a mere letter. People look on them as vagabonds, andtheyseem shy in return; and hence they continue a kind of outcast body in a civilized country.
“If any further steps are taken, and if I can in any way assist in promoting your good object, you may command my services.
“I am, dear sir, respectfully yours,
“I. Cobbin.”
Extracts from the Letter of a Clergyman’s Lady.
“Sir,“My best thanks are due to you for your compliance with my request; and, in return, I beg to assure you, that I consider your answer to my friend’s objection, as quite satisfactory and efficient. I rejoice to hear that God has been pleased to bless the endeavours and earnest exertion of the Scripture-readers (to the Gipsies) with success. To behold sixteen, and afterwards twenty-one Gipsies voluntarily attending Divineworship, must have conveyed feelings of heartfelt gratitude to the heart of every Christian, and at the same time encourage him to persevere in earnest prayer to the Father of mercies, to pour his holy Spirit into their souls, that they might become the true and faithful followers of the Redeemer. You say you would be glad to receive any intelligence respecting this interesting people; by which I am led to suppose that an account of an interview which I had with some of them, may not be unacceptable; an interview that was highly pleasing and satisfactory, as I found them less ignorant of spiritual concerns, and to possess better qualities, than I had imagined.“Having sent for two women, (the heads of the camps) I received them in a cottage in the town of ---, and after allowing them some refreshment, proceeded to put the different questions to them that are inserted in the Observer. They told me that their family, altogether, consisted of eighteen persons, who travelled about the country in three camps; that the men found it difficult to obtain regular employment; that sometimes, during the winter, they made cabbage-nets, and mended culinary utensils; that in the summer, men and women were occasionally employed in making hay, &c. These women appeared very destitute of necessary clothing, which they said they found great difficulty in obtaining. They appeared careful to speak the truth, alleging that it hurt their consciences to speak otherwise. On the question being put to them, whether they appropriated to themselves the propertyof those near whom they encamped? they candidly confessed that they sometimes took a little straw, hay, and sticks; but no fowls or any other live-stock. They shewed a very affectionate disposition and warm feelings towards their children. The eldest of them assured me, that if any in their camp became orphans, she considered herself more bound to provide for them than her own, as the former needed it the more, being destitute. She did not object to their gaining instruction, if it came in the way, and she wished to be read to herself, and appeared to take much pleasure in listening to my explanations of the important doctrines of religion. They said that none of their party could read, but that they were sometimes visited by a relative who was a good scholar. She said, too, that she always kept in her possession agodly book, for the purpose of asking, as opportunity offered, a traveller to read to them. She assured me, too, (which I rather doubted,) that they constantly attended Divine worship, when encamped near enough to churches; that they send for the nearest clergymanto preachto the dying, and that they never omit having their babesfull christened, excepting in cases of sickness, when the child is only baptized: and should such child die, they obtain the services of a parochial clergyman to inter it. They said, thinking, no doubt, to please me, that they did not like the Ranters, but that they thought well of thechurch folks. I fear that, though they had a general knowledge of the Supreme Being, they were sadly ignorant of the most important point of Christianity,namely, the all-sufficient sacrifice that was made for the whole world. While I expatiated to them on the day of judgment and the final doom of man, displaying the extreme and exquisite happiness of the righteous part of the human family, and the dreadful misery of the wicked, the younger of them, who appeared indisposed, was considerably agitated. They then said, that they were not in the habit of swearing, but occasionally did so, though they were aware it was very wicked. When travelling, they told me that they avoid breaking the sabbath; and that they visit all places included in the district through which they wander, three times per year, from which plan they seldom deviate. I inquired if they would like to settle in cottages, and gain their livelihood by industry. They replied, thatif house-rent,clothes,food,and all other necessaries were found them, they would; but that they would not settle on any other condition.“I am desirous of obtaining your opinion respecting the plan I have lately formed to benefit this people; for, should you approve of it, it will be carried into immediate execution. I thought it would be very advantageous to offer an adequate remuneration to a pious person who would devote every half-day to reading and explaining the Scriptures to the old, and teaching the young to read. I was aware that it would be difficult to obtain one, who, while he would teach the young to read, and explain the Scriptures to the aged, would be wise enough to give wholesome advice to every case of mental distress, and be gifted to guide the first steps ofthose who are disposed to be good, in the way of Christian godliness. After much anxiety and many attempts, I at length succeeded in meeting with a person most disinterestedly pious; one who was willing to accede to any proposal to benefit his fellow-creatures. He appears to attach little importance to himself, but to have much confidence in God, in reference to his exertions. He is really desirous to promote the immortal interests of the poor people to whom his attention has been directed, and is pious, zealous and intelligent. He, however, cannot devote himself to this work more than three days per week. He will visit all Gipsy camps for seven or eight miles round.“Some clear, forcible, simple, religious tracts, such as are likely to instruct and awaken, with the Scriptures, would, perhaps, be of service. I shall hold out rewards of clothes and books to those of whom I hear the best accounts, and shall endeavour to meet them, a few at a time, in a cottage, at least once per year. Will you let me know whether you think I am doing right?”
“Sir,
“My best thanks are due to you for your compliance with my request; and, in return, I beg to assure you, that I consider your answer to my friend’s objection, as quite satisfactory and efficient. I rejoice to hear that God has been pleased to bless the endeavours and earnest exertion of the Scripture-readers (to the Gipsies) with success. To behold sixteen, and afterwards twenty-one Gipsies voluntarily attending Divineworship, must have conveyed feelings of heartfelt gratitude to the heart of every Christian, and at the same time encourage him to persevere in earnest prayer to the Father of mercies, to pour his holy Spirit into their souls, that they might become the true and faithful followers of the Redeemer. You say you would be glad to receive any intelligence respecting this interesting people; by which I am led to suppose that an account of an interview which I had with some of them, may not be unacceptable; an interview that was highly pleasing and satisfactory, as I found them less ignorant of spiritual concerns, and to possess better qualities, than I had imagined.
“Having sent for two women, (the heads of the camps) I received them in a cottage in the town of ---, and after allowing them some refreshment, proceeded to put the different questions to them that are inserted in the Observer. They told me that their family, altogether, consisted of eighteen persons, who travelled about the country in three camps; that the men found it difficult to obtain regular employment; that sometimes, during the winter, they made cabbage-nets, and mended culinary utensils; that in the summer, men and women were occasionally employed in making hay, &c. These women appeared very destitute of necessary clothing, which they said they found great difficulty in obtaining. They appeared careful to speak the truth, alleging that it hurt their consciences to speak otherwise. On the question being put to them, whether they appropriated to themselves the propertyof those near whom they encamped? they candidly confessed that they sometimes took a little straw, hay, and sticks; but no fowls or any other live-stock. They shewed a very affectionate disposition and warm feelings towards their children. The eldest of them assured me, that if any in their camp became orphans, she considered herself more bound to provide for them than her own, as the former needed it the more, being destitute. She did not object to their gaining instruction, if it came in the way, and she wished to be read to herself, and appeared to take much pleasure in listening to my explanations of the important doctrines of religion. They said that none of their party could read, but that they were sometimes visited by a relative who was a good scholar. She said, too, that she always kept in her possession agodly book, for the purpose of asking, as opportunity offered, a traveller to read to them. She assured me, too, (which I rather doubted,) that they constantly attended Divine worship, when encamped near enough to churches; that they send for the nearest clergymanto preachto the dying, and that they never omit having their babesfull christened, excepting in cases of sickness, when the child is only baptized: and should such child die, they obtain the services of a parochial clergyman to inter it. They said, thinking, no doubt, to please me, that they did not like the Ranters, but that they thought well of thechurch folks. I fear that, though they had a general knowledge of the Supreme Being, they were sadly ignorant of the most important point of Christianity,namely, the all-sufficient sacrifice that was made for the whole world. While I expatiated to them on the day of judgment and the final doom of man, displaying the extreme and exquisite happiness of the righteous part of the human family, and the dreadful misery of the wicked, the younger of them, who appeared indisposed, was considerably agitated. They then said, that they were not in the habit of swearing, but occasionally did so, though they were aware it was very wicked. When travelling, they told me that they avoid breaking the sabbath; and that they visit all places included in the district through which they wander, three times per year, from which plan they seldom deviate. I inquired if they would like to settle in cottages, and gain their livelihood by industry. They replied, thatif house-rent,clothes,food,and all other necessaries were found them, they would; but that they would not settle on any other condition.
“I am desirous of obtaining your opinion respecting the plan I have lately formed to benefit this people; for, should you approve of it, it will be carried into immediate execution. I thought it would be very advantageous to offer an adequate remuneration to a pious person who would devote every half-day to reading and explaining the Scriptures to the old, and teaching the young to read. I was aware that it would be difficult to obtain one, who, while he would teach the young to read, and explain the Scriptures to the aged, would be wise enough to give wholesome advice to every case of mental distress, and be gifted to guide the first steps ofthose who are disposed to be good, in the way of Christian godliness. After much anxiety and many attempts, I at length succeeded in meeting with a person most disinterestedly pious; one who was willing to accede to any proposal to benefit his fellow-creatures. He appears to attach little importance to himself, but to have much confidence in God, in reference to his exertions. He is really desirous to promote the immortal interests of the poor people to whom his attention has been directed, and is pious, zealous and intelligent. He, however, cannot devote himself to this work more than three days per week. He will visit all Gipsy camps for seven or eight miles round.
“Some clear, forcible, simple, religious tracts, such as are likely to instruct and awaken, with the Scriptures, would, perhaps, be of service. I shall hold out rewards of clothes and books to those of whom I hear the best accounts, and shall endeavour to meet them, a few at a time, in a cottage, at least once per year. Will you let me know whether you think I am doing right?”
Extracts of a Letter from a man of plain,but pious character,addressed to the Southampton Committee.
“Gentlemen,“It is natural for me to suppose that you expect, by this period, to hear something of the success that has attended my labours on the common among the people called Gipsies. I visit them three or four timesa-week, besides going among them on sabbath days. I go from tent to tent, and talk to them on religious subjects, read and explain the word of God to them, so far as I am able, and pray with them. At such times they thankfully receive what I humbly communicate to them, and often, with tears and gratitude, wonder that I should think of them in their poor degraded state. I hope some of them may be brought to the knowledge of God.”
“Gentlemen,
“It is natural for me to suppose that you expect, by this period, to hear something of the success that has attended my labours on the common among the people called Gipsies. I visit them three or four timesa-week, besides going among them on sabbath days. I go from tent to tent, and talk to them on religious subjects, read and explain the word of God to them, so far as I am able, and pray with them. At such times they thankfully receive what I humbly communicate to them, and often, with tears and gratitude, wonder that I should think of them in their poor degraded state. I hope some of them may be brought to the knowledge of God.”
After some other pleasing details, this humble person concludes his letter thus:
“With regard to the children, I meet with here and thereoneamong them that can read, but it is very little. These children, however, are desirous, I may say very desirous to have some little books. To such I have given books, till I have none left. I could have given away, where desired, and with the prospect of knowing they might be useful, many more, had I possessed them. Upon the whole I think there is cause for much encouragement.“I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,“* * * * *”
“With regard to the children, I meet with here and thereoneamong them that can read, but it is very little. These children, however, are desirous, I may say very desirous to have some little books. To such I have given books, till I have none left. I could have given away, where desired, and with the prospect of knowing they might be useful, many more, had I possessed them. Upon the whole I think there is cause for much encouragement.
“I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,“* * * * *”
A clergyman, a most valuable correspondent, observes, while addressing the Committee, through the author:
“In speaking to the Gipsies on the road side, and offering a tract, I have never but once met with impertinence.It is probable that the individual had been impertinently treated, first, by people called Christians.“Dr More has well said, with respect to the Jews, ‘If Christians had believed and acted like Christians, it would have been a miracle if the Jews had not been converted.’“This observation is equally applicable to the Gipsies of England; for, if Christian denominations did their duty, they would cease to be Gipsies.”
“In speaking to the Gipsies on the road side, and offering a tract, I have never but once met with impertinence.It is probable that the individual had been impertinently treated, first, by people called Christians.
“Dr More has well said, with respect to the Jews, ‘If Christians had believed and acted like Christians, it would have been a miracle if the Jews had not been converted.’
“This observation is equally applicable to the Gipsies of England; for, if Christian denominations did their duty, they would cease to be Gipsies.”
Had the author availed himself of all the facts relating to the addresses which have been given in different places by clergymen, home missionaries, and other ministers, and published all the letters of an interesting nature addressed to himself and the Southampton Committee, in reference to the Gipsies, together with the gratitude they have shown for such Christian attentions, it might have gratified many readers; but these pages would thereby have been increased to too great a number.
But, before concluding this little work, he desires to impress upon the reader, the necessity there is of engaging in the great work of the conversion of the poor Gipsies.
Why do not all ministers, and all good people unite in it? May we not conclude that they do not feel the value of their souls as they ought, if they do not perform all that is in their power for this end? Both ministers and their congregations are too lukewarm. We are discouraged by difficulties under the influence of unbelief, and we often say, How can these things be accomplished? Every Christian is called by his Saviour to attempt the instruction of his fellow-creatures;and no common excuse, such as business, poverty, a want of time, acknowledged ignorance, and a want of talent, can justify us in neglecting the attempt to speak a word of advice, or reproof, or promise, to our fellow-creatures. This is the duty of every Christian, and if done in faith, Almighty God will bless the effort.
To the magistrates the author would make a most ardent appeal on behalf of the despised members of the Gipsy family. Most respectfully and most earnestly does he entreat them to pity their destitute condition, when brought before them as vagrants, and from which they have been so often made to suffer; for, sooner would the wild creatures of the forest be tamed, than those branches of the human family be brought, through coercion, to dwell in houses and follow trades, who were born under the hedges, and have, through life, made unfrequented solitudes their homes. Much better would it be for the magistrates to encourage the education of their children, with the view to improve and reform the rising generation. The author hopes and prays that they may.Blessed are the merciful,for they shall obtain mercy.
If we all felt the importance and necessity of discharging our Christian duties as the sailor and the soldier do in their different stations, no difficulties would deter us; but God expects everyChristianto do his duty. A celebrated commander once called his officers together, and said, “We must carry such a garrison.” The officers said, “It is impossible; the attempt would be vain.” The general replied, “It can, and must bedone, for I have the order in my pocket.” Oh! ye ministers of Christ! you have the order lying on your table, and in your desks, at this moment; read it in the Bible:—Go ye into the highways and hedges,and compel them to come in,that my house may be filled. Luke xiv. 23. The duty is ours: have we done it? Have we done it as opportunities have presented themselves? Have we done it as we ought? Yea, more; have we sought for opportunities to instruct souls? Our adorable Master did so. He came from heaven to earth, to seek and to save them who were lost. Private Christians! you also have your order from the high throne of heaven, in your houses, perhaps unnoticed; or, it may be, you have not rightly interpreted these orders to their full extent. Others may have acted the coward’s part, and thrown these orders aside. Would a soldier or a sailor thus serve his king and country? If you saw your countrymen perishing on your shores by shipwreck, or likely to be destroyed by fire, would you not be anxious to assist both the virtuous and the wicked? Gipsies are perishing around you; hear their cries, ere they are plunged into eternity; and attend to these orders from the King of Kings:—
Thou shalt not avenge,nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people;but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Leviticus, xix. 18.The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be as one born amongst you,and thou shalt love him as thyself; xxxiv. 5.Beware of hardness of heart toward thy poor brother. Deut. vii. 15, 9.Be ye thereforemerciful,as your Father who is in heaven is merciful. Luke vi. 36.For he raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill. Psalm cxiii. 7.Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,do ye even so to them;for this is the law and the prophets. Matt. vii. 12.Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matt. xix. 19. And who is thy neighbour? Read the parable of the Good Samaritan, andGo and do likewise. Luke x. 15.
The author will finally conclude by observing, that England will have a great deal to answer for in reference to the Gipsies of past generations. For, from a very moderate calculation that he has made, 150,000 of these outcasts have passed into the eternal world, uninformed, unacquainted with God, since they came to this country. May the present, and succeeding generations, be wiser than the past!
Since theGipsies’ Advocatewas put to press, the author, as might naturally be expected on a subject so interesting as the conversion of the Gipsies, has had many other pleasing communications. From his Bristol correspondents he has been favoured with several of delightful interest, in reference to a small colony in that neighbourhood; and these state that several of the Gipsies not only begin to evidence an aversion to their former life, but increase in seriousness, and in habits of industry. And happy is he to say, that several influential Christians of that city are growing in the interest they manifest to these outcasts of society; for they are endeavouring to improve every opportunity of affording them instruction. It is with peculiar pleasure too, the author learns, that the students of the Baptist Academy of the above-named city, are not dead to the affecting necessities of this poor people. Some of the students of that academy spent the whole of one day in endeavouring to find one of their large encampments, of which they had had some previous information, and spent the evening in giving such instruction as appeared to them to be the best calculated to enlighten and reform the people to whom they were so anxious to do good; some of them occupyingthemselves with the children, and others with the adults. May their example have its due influence on surrounding Christians!
The author must not forget to mention here, that he has been apprised by the clergyman in Scotland, whose letter forms so interesting a part of the ninth chapter, that the account he mentioned to him, as gaining insertion in a statistical publication, has not been published, he believes, in consequence of the death of the gentleman who had interested himself for its insertion in the work referred to; but that he hopes it may meet the public eye in a short time.
And now, having redeemed the pledge which he gave his friends about twelve months since; having furnished them with a history of the Gipsies, such a one as he hopes will be beneficial to the race, whose conduct, condition, and necessities it narrates; he will conclude by thanking those kind friends who have unintentionally contributed to the interest of these pages, and by asking the continuation of their favours, with a view to give increasing interest to an intended second edition. He would not forget publicly to solicit, likewise, the correspondence of ladies and gentlemen who may be in possession of facts or plans likely to interest the public towards the Gipsies.
The author now commits these pages to the all-influential blessing of God, earnestly praying that these poor, hard-faring wanderers, whose character he has endeavoured to delineate, may be speedily rescued from their present forlorn condition, and, that they may eventuallybe conducted to the mansions of eternal bliss, where neither storm nor tempest shall any longer afflict them, but where they shall join with the ransomed of the Lord, in ascribingblessing,and honour,and glory,and power,unto him that sitteth upon the throne,and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
THE END.
H. M. G. Grellman’s Dissertation on the Gipsies. Translated by M. Rapier.
Hoyland’s Survey of the Gipsies.
Twiss’s Travels in Spain.
Swinburne’s Travels in Italy.
Dr C. D. Clark’s Travels in Russia.
Capt. David Richardson. Referred to in the seventh volume ofAsiatic Researches.
Sir Thomas Brown’s Vulgar Errors.
While these are the leading authors, whose works are either composed in, or translated into English, it may impress us with the importance by which the Gipsies have been viewed, to know, that nearly 200 have written about them in other languages.
Page Line
31, 24,For‘would be in a town,’read, ‘would be in, in a town.’
55, 30,For‘dispatching,’read, ‘despatching.’
baker and son,printers,southampton.
[10]See a late account of this Colony in a subsequent page.
[11a]See Hoyland, pages 78, 79, and 80.
[11b]We should not forget that the grace of God can change their hearts and morals. The facts contained in this book are very encouraging examples of the power of divine grace upon the heart and character of the Gipsy people. The reader would do well to turn to the following scriptures—Isaiah,xi. 6, 7, 8, 9. 1 Cor.vi. 9, 10, 11.
[12]Children, after grown up to men and women, have an affection for their parents somewhat childish. A young Gipsey man known to the author, when his mother stays longer from the camp than usual, expresses his anxiety for her return, by saying—Where is my mum?I wish my mum would come home.
[14]Some of those Gipsies who have families, and a little property, provide themselves with a cart, or waggon, as most convenient for a warehouse for their goods, and more comfortable than a tent to dwell in during winter.
[16]“Should any be inclined to doubt, which I scarcely suppose possible, the identity of the Gipsy or Cingari, and Hindostanee languages, still it will be acknowledged as no uninteresting subject, that tribes wandering through the mountains of Nubia, or the plains of Romania, have conversed for centuries in a dialect precisely similar to that spoken at this day, by the obscure, despised, and wretched people in England, whose language has been considered as a fabricated gibberish, and confounded with a cant in use among thieves and beggars; and whose persons have been, till within the period of the last year, an object of the persecution, instead of the protection of our laws.”—Extract from a letter of William Marsden, Esq. addressed to Sir Joseph Banks, F. R. S., and read to the Society of Antiquaries in London, 1785.
[18]“The gentleman spoke dixen to me,” said a Gipsy to the Author; that is, long hard words.
[28]May not this be a proof of their Hindostanee origin? There is this difference, however—the clothes, &c. of the deceased Gipsy, are burnt instead of his body!
[45]One Gipsy, I believe, has been convicted of having some stolen poultry in his tent; but he had received it from the thief. No other fact of the sort has come to my knowledge.
[72]Sold by Seeley, and by Westley and Co, London; Clark, Bristol; Binns, Bath; and Lindsay and Co, Edinburgh.
[75]I ought to say perhaps, that though this young and ignorant woman ran away, she did not go with any thing that was not her own; for she left behind her a bonnet that had been lent her, while she had nothing more on her head than a piece of cloth.
[76]The latter was the daughter of the dying Gipsy, an account of whom may be seen in the tract numbered 803, and published by the Tract Society.
[97]The friends of this good cause at Bristol, now think that manual labour is far more conducive to their conversion than hawking any article whatever: the above plan is therefore totally abandoned for labour.
[115]A district in East India celebrated for diamonds.