better than kings in general are wont to do, occasionally took the
exercise of hunting. Being out one day for this purpose, the chase lay
through the shrubs of the forest. The stag had been hard run; and, to
escape the dogs, had crossed the river in a deep part. As the dogs could
not be brought to follow, it became necessary, in order to come up with
it, to make a circuitous route along the banks of the river, through some
thick and troublesome underwood. The roughness of the ground, the long
grass and frequent thickets, gave opportunity for the sportsmen to
separate from each other; each one endeavouring to make the best and
speediest route he could. Before they had reached the end of the forest,
the king's horse manifested signs of fatigue and uneasiness; so much so,
that his Majesty resolved upon yielding the pleasures of the chase to
those of compassion for his horse. With this view, he turned down the
first avenue in the forest, and determined on riding gently to the oaks,
there to wait for some of his attendants. His Majesty had only proceeded
a few yards, when, instead of the cry of the hounds, he fancied he heard
the cry of human distress. As he rode forward, he heard it more
distinctly. 'Oh, my mother! my mother! God pity and bless my poor
mother!' The curiosity and kindness of the king led him instantly to the
spot. It was a little green plot on one side of the forest, where was
spread on the grass, under a branching oak, a little pallet, half covered
with a kind of tent; and a basket or two, with some packs, lay on the
ground at a few paces distant from the tent. Near to the root of the
tree he observed a little swarthy girl, about eight years of age, on her
knees, praying, while her little black eyes ran down with tears.
Distress of any kind was always relieved by his Majesty, for he had a
heart which melted at 'human woe;' nor was it unaffected on this
occasion. And now he inquired, 'What, my child, is the cause of your
weeping? For what do you pray?' The little creature at first started,
then rose from her knees, and pointing to the tent, said, 'Oh, sir! my
dying mother!' 'What?' said his Majesty, dismounting, and fastening his
horse up to the branches of the oak, 'what, my child? tell me all about
it.' The little creature now led the King to the tent:--there lay,
partly covered, a middle-aged female Gipsy, in the last stages of a
decline, and in the last moments of life. She turned her dying eyes
expressively to the royal visitor, then looked up to heaven; but not a
word did she utter; the organs of speech had ceased their office; _the
silver cord was loosed_, _and the wheel broken at the cistern_. The
little girl then wept aloud, and, stooping down, wiped the dying sweat
from her mother's face. The King, much affected, asked the child her
name, and of her family; and how long her mother had been ill. Just at
that moment another Gipsy girl, much older, came, out of breath, to the
spot. She had been at the town of W---, and had brought some medicine
for her dying mother. Observing a stranger, she modestly courtsied, and,
hastening to her mother, knelt down by her side, kissed her pallid lips,
and burst into tears. 'What, my dear child,' said his Majesty, 'can be
done for you?' 'Oh, sir!' she replied, 'my dying mother wanted a
religious person to teach her, and to pray with her, before she died. I
ran all the way before it was light this morning to W---, and asked for a
minister, _but no one could I get to come with me to pray with my dear
mother_!' The dying woman seemed sensible of what her daughter was
saying, and her countenance was much agitated. The air was again rent
with the cries of the distressed daughters. The King, full of kindness,
instantly endeavoured to comfort them: he said, 'I am a minister, and God
has sent me to instruct and comfort your mother.' He then sat down on a
pack, by the side of the pallet, and taking the hand of the dying Gipsy,
discoursed on the demerit of sin, and the nature of redemption. He then
pointed her to Christ, the all sufficient Saviour. While the King was
doing this, the poor creature seemed to gather consolation and hope: her
eyes sparkled with brightness, and her countenance became animated. She
looked up; she smiled; but it was the last smile; it was the glimmering
of expiring nature. As the expression of peace, however, remained strong
in her countenance, it was not till some little time had elapsed, that
they perceived the struggling spirit had left mortality.
"It was at this moment that some of his Majesty's attendants, who had
missed him at the chase, and who had been riding through the forest in
search of him, rode up, and found the King comforting the afflicted
Gipsies. It was an affecting sight, and worthy of everlasting record in
the annals of kings.
"His Majesty now rose up, put some gold into the hands of the afflicted
girls, promised them his protection, and bade them look to heaven. He
then wiped the tears from his eyes, and mounted his horse. His
attendants, greatly affected, stood in silent admiration. Lord L--- was
now going to speak, when his Majesty, turning to the Gipsies, and
pointing to the breathless corpse, and to the weeping girls, said, with
strong emotion, 'Who, my lord, who, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto
these?'"
CHAP. XVI. Further interesting Correspondence.
"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 reformation among 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, and
_they_ seem 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 Divine worship, 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 property of 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 a _godly 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 clergyman _to preach_ to the
dying, and that they never omit having their babes _full 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 the
_church 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, that _if 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 of those 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
times a-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 there _one_ among
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."
CHAP. XVII. Concluding Remarks.
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 every _Christian_ to 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 be done, 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
therefore __merciful_, _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, and _Go 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!
APPENDIX.
Since the GIPSIES' ADVOCATE was 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 occupying
themselves 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 eventually be
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 ascribing _blessing_, _and honour_, _and glory_,
_and power_, _unto him that sitteth upon the throne_, _and unto the Lamb
for ever and ever_.
THE END.
LIST OF AUTHORS
WHO HAVE WRITTEN ON THE GIPSIES.
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 of _Asiatic
Researches_.
SIR THOMAS BROWN'S VULGAR ERRORS.