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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/19852-h.zip b/19852-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a67f973 --- /dev/null +++ b/19852-h.zip diff --git a/19852-h/19852-h.htm b/19852-h/19852-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fac6ee5 --- /dev/null +++ b/19852-h/19852-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4550 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII" /> +<title>The Gipsies' Advocate</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + H1, H2 { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + } + H3, H4 { + text-align: left; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + TD { vertical-align: top; } + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .pagenum {position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: gray;} + + .citation {vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h2> +<a href="#startoftext">The Gipsies' Advocate, by James Crabb</a> +</h2> +<pre> +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Gipsies' Advocate, by James Crabb + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Gipsies' Advocate + or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of + The English Gipsies + + +Author: James Crabb + + + +Release Date: November 17, 2006 [eBook #19852] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE*** +</pre> +<p><a name="startoftext"></a></p> +<p>Transcribed from the 1831 edition by David Price, email +ccx074@pglaf.org</p> +<h1 style="text-align: center">THE GIPSIES’ ADVOCATE;<br /> +<span class="smcap">or</span>,<br /> +OBSERVATIONS<br /> +<span class="smcap">on the</span><br /> +ORIGIN, CHARACTER, MANNERS, AND HABITS<br /> +<span class="smcap">of</span><br /> +The English Gipsies:</h1> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">to which are +added</span>,<br /> +<span class="smcap">many interesting anecdotes</span>,<br /> +<span class="smcap">on the</span><br /> +SUCCESS THAT HAS ATTENDED THE PLANS OF SEVERAL<br /> +BENEVOLENT INDIVIDUALS, WHO ANXIOUSLY<br /> +DESIRE THEIR CONVERSION TO GOD.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">BY JAMES CRABB,</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">author of</span> +“<span class="smcap">the penitent magdalen</span>.”</p> +<p style="text-align: center">“The Son of Man is come to seek and to +save that which is lost.”<br /> +“Let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.”</p> +<p style="text-align: center">LONDON:</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">seeley</span>, <span +class="smcap">fleet street</span>; <span class="smcap">westley and +davis</span>, <span class="smcap">ave-maria-lane</span>; <span +class="smcap">hatchard</span>, <span class="smcap">piccadilly</span>; <span +class="smcap">lindsay and co.</span>, <span class="smcap">south +street</span>, <span class="smcap">andrew street</span>, <span +class="smcap">edinburgh</span>; <span class="smcap">collins</span>, <span +class="smcap">glasgow</span>; <span class="smcap">wakeman</span>, <span +class="smcap">dublin</span>, <span class="smcap">wilson and son</span>, +<span class="smcap">york</span>.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">1831.</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><!-- page ii--><a name="pageii"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. ii</span><span class="smcap">baker and son</span>, <span +class="smcap">printers</span>, <span class="smcap">southampton</span>.</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><!-- page iii--><a name="pageiii"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. iii</span><span class="smcap">to</span><br /> +THE JUDGES, MAGISTRATES,<br /> +<span class="smcap">and</span><br /> +Ministers of Christ,<br /> +<span class="smcap">as the</span><br /> +ORGANS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE, AND REVEALED TRUTH,<br /> +THE GIPSIES’ ADVOCATE<br /> +<span class="smcap">is most</span><br /> +RESPECTFULLY AND SINCERELY DEDICATED<br /> +<span class="smcap">by</span><br /> +THE AUTHOR.</p> +<h2><!-- page v--><a name="pagev"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +v</span>PREFACE.</h2> +<p>The Author of the following pages has been urged by numerous friends, +and more particularly by his own conscience, to present to the Christian +Public a brief account of the people called Gipsies, now wandering in +Britain. This, to many readers, may appear inexpedient; as Grellman +and Hoyland have written largely on this neglected part of the human +family. But it should be recollected, that there are thousands of +respectable and intelligent christians, who never have read, and never may +read either of the above authors. The writer of the present work is +partly indebted for the sympathies he feels, and which he wishes to awaken +in others toward these miserable wanderers, to various authors who have +written on them, but more particularly to <!-- page vi--><a +name="pagevi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. vi</span>Grellman and Hoyland, +who, in addition to the facts which came under their own immediate notice, +have published the observations of travellers and others interested in the +history of this people. A list of these authors may be seen in the +Appendix.</p> +<p>But his knowledge of this people does not entirely depend on the +testimony of others, having had the opportunity of closely examining for +himself their habits and character in familiar visits to their tents, and +by allowing his door to be free of access to all those encamped near +Southampton, when they have needed his help and advice. Thus has he +gained a general knowledge of their vicious habits, their comparative +virtues, and their unhappy modes of life, which he hopes the following +pages will fully prove, and be the means of placing their character in the +light of truth, and of correcting various mistakes respecting them, which +have given rise to many unjust and injurious prejudices against them.</p> +<p><!-- page vii--><a name="pagevii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +vii</span>The Author could have enlarged the present work very +considerably, had he detailed all the facts with which he is well +acquainted.</p> +<p>His object, however, was to furnish a work which should be concise and +cheap, that he might be the means of exciting among his countrymen an +energetic benevolence toward this despised people; for it cannot be denied +that many thousands of them have never given the condition of the Gipsies a +single thought.</p> +<p>Such a work is now presented to the public. Whether the author has +succeeded, will be best known to those persons who have the most correct +and extensive information relative to the unhappy race in question. +Should he be the honoured instrument of exciting in any breasts the same +feelings of pity, mercy, love and zeal for these poor English heathens, as +is felt and carried into useful plans for the heathens abroad, by +christians of all denominations; he will then be certain that, by the <!-- +page viii--><a name="pageviii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +viii</span>blessing of the Redeemer, the confidence of the Gipsies will be +gained, and, that they will be led to that Saviour, who has said, +<i>Whosoever cometh unto me</i>, <i>I will in no wise cast him out</i>.</p> +<h2><!-- page 9--><a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +9</span>CHAP. I. On the Origin of the Gipsies.</h2> +<p>Of the Origin of these wanderers of the human race, the learned are not +agreed; for we have no authentic records of their first emigrations. +Some suppose them to be the descendants of Israel, and many others, that +they are of Egyptian origin. But the evidence adduced in confirmation +of these opinions appears very inconclusive. We cannot discover more +than fifty Hebrew words in the language they speak, and they have not a +ceremony peculiar to the Hebrew nation. They have not a word of +Coptic, and but few of Persian derivation. And they are deemed as +strangers in Egypt at the present time. They are now found in many +countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa, in all of which they speak a +language <i>peculiar to themselves</i>. On the continent of America +alone are there none of them found. Grellman informs us that there +were great numbers in Lorraine, and that they dwelt in its forests, before +the French Revolution of 1790. He <!-- page 10--><a +name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 10</span>supposes that there are +no less than 700,000 in the world, and that the greatest numbers are found +in Europe. Throughout the countries they inhabit, they have kept +themselves a distinct race of people in every possible way.</p> +<p>They never visit the Norman Isles; and it is said by the natives of +Ireland, that their numbers are small in that country. Hoyland +informs us, that many counties in Scotland are free of them, while they +wander about in other districts of that country, as in England. He +has also informed us, sec. 6, of a colony which resides during the winter +months at Kirk Yetholm in the county of Roxburgh. <a +name="citation10"></a><a href="#footnote10" class="citation">[10]</a></p> +<p>Sir Thomas Brown, in his work entitled “<span class="smcap">Vulgar +Errors</span>,” says, that they were seen first in Germany, in the +year 1409. In 1418, they were found in Switzerland; and in 1422, in +Italy. They appeared in France, on the 17th August, 1427. It is +remarkable that, when they first came into Europe, they were black, and +that the women were still blacker than the men. From Grellman we +learn, that “in Hungary, there are 50,000; in Spain, 60,000; and that +they are innumerable in Constantinople.”</p> +<p>It appears from the statute of the 22nd of Henry VIII, made against this +people, that they must at that time have been in England some years, and +must have increased much in number, and in crime. In the 27th of that +reign, a law was made against the importation <!-- page 11--><a +name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>of such persons, +subjecting the importer to 40<i>l</i> penalty. In that reign also +they were considered so dangerous to the morals and comfort of the country, +that many of them were sent back to Calais. Yet in the reign of +Elizabeth, they were estimated at 10,000. <a name="citation11a"></a><a +href="#footnote11a" class="citation">[11a]</a></p> +<p>Dr Walsh says, that the Gipsies in Turkey, like the Jews, are +distinguishable by indelible personal marks, dark eyes, brown complexion, +and black hair; and by unalterable moral qualities, an aversion to labour, +and a propensity to petty thefts. <a name="citation11b"></a><a +href="#footnote11b" class="citation">[11b]</a></p> +<p>The celebrated traveller, Dr Daniel Clarke, speaks of great numbers of +Gipsies in Persia, who are much encouraged by the Tartars. Formerly, +and particularly on the Continent, they had their counts, lords, and dukes; +but these were titles without either power or riches.</p> +<p>The English Gipsies were formerly accustomed to denominate an aged man +and woman among them, as their king and queen; but this is a political +distinction which has not been recognized by them for many years.</p> +<p>If we suppose the Gipsies to have been heathens before they came into +this country, their separation <!-- page 12--><a name="page12"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 12</span>from pagan degradation and cruelty, has been +attended with many advantages to themselves. They have seen neither +the superstitions of idolatry, nor the unnatural cruelties of +heathenism. They are not destitute of those sympathies and +attachments which would adorn the most polished circles. In +demonstration of this, we have only to make ourselves acquainted with the +fervour and tenderness of their conjugal, parental, and filial +sensibilities,—and the great care they take of all who are aged, +infirm, and blind, among them. Were these highly interesting +qualities sanctified by pure religion, they would exhibit much of the +beauty and loveliness of the christian character. I am aware that an +opinion is general, that they are cruel to their children; but it may be +questioned if ebullitions of passion are more frequent among them, in +reference to their children, than among other classes of society; and when +these ebullitions, which are not lasting, are over—their conduct +toward their children is most affectionate. The attachment of Gipsy +children to their parents is equally vivid and admirable; it grows with +their years, and strengthens even as their connections increase. <a +name="citation12"></a><a href="#footnote12" class="citation">[12]</a> +And indeed the affection that sisters and brothers have one for the other +is very great. A short time since, the little sister of a <!-- page +13--><a name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 13</span>Gipsy youth +seventeen years of age, was taken ill with a fever, when his mind became +exceedingly distressed, and he gave way to excessive grief and weeping.</p> +<p>Those who suppose these wanderers of mankind to be of Hindostanee or +Suder origin, have much the best proof on their side. A real Gipsy +has a countenance, eye, mouth, hands, ancle, and quickness of manners, +strongly indicative of Hindoo origin. This is more particularly the +case with the females. Nor is the above mere assertion. The +testimony of the most intelligent travellers, many of whom have long +resided in India, fully supports this opinion. And, indeed, persons +who have not travelled on the Asiatic Continent, but who have seen natives +of Hindostan, have been surprised at the similarity of manners and features +existing between them and the Gipsies. The Author of this work once +met with a Hindoo woman, and was astonished at the great resemblance she +bore in countenance and manners to the female Gipsy of his own country.</p> +<p>The Hindoo Suder delights in horses, tinkering, music, and fortune +telling; so does the Gipsy. The Suder tribes of the same part of the +Asiatic Continent, are wanderers, dwelling chiefly in wretched +mud-huts. When they remove from one place to another, they carry with +them their scanty property. The English Gipsies imitate these erratic +tribes in this particular. They wander from place to place, and carry +their <!-- page 14--><a name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +14</span>small tents with them, which consist of a few bent sticks, and a +blanket. <a name="citation14"></a><a href="#footnote14" +class="citation">[14]</a> The Suders in the East eat the flesh of +nearly every unclean creature; nor are they careful that the flesh of such +creatures should not be putrid. How exactly do the Gipsies imitate +them in this abhorrent choice of food! They have been in the habit of +eating many kinds of brutes, not even excepting dogs and cats; and when +pressed by hunger, have sought after the most putrid carrion. It has +been a common saying among them—<i>that which God kills</i>, <i>is +better than that killed by man</i>. But of late years, with a few +exceptions, they have much improved in this respect; for they now eat +neither dogs nor cats, and but seldom seek after carrion. But in +winter they will dress and eat snails, hedge-hogs, and other creatures not +generally dressed for food.</p> +<p>But the strongest evidence of their Hindoo origin is the great +resemblance their own language bears to the Hindostanee. The +following Vocabulary is taken from Grellman, Hoyland, and Captain +Richardson. The first of these respectable authors declares, that +twelve out of thirty words of the Gipsies’ language, are either +purely Hindostanee, or nearly related to it.</p> +<p>The following list of words are among those which bear the greatest +resemblance to that language.</p> +<table> +<tr> +<td> +<p><!-- page 15--><a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +15</span><i>Gipsy</i>.</p> +</td> +<td> +<p><i>Hindostanee</i>.</p> +</td> +<td> +<p><i>English</i>.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Ick, Ek,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Ek,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>One.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Duj, Doj,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Du,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Two.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Trin, Tri,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tin,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Three.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Schtar, Star,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tschar,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Four.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Pantsch, Pansch,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Pansch,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Five.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Tschowe, Sshow,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tscho,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Six.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Efta,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Hefta, Sat,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Seven.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Ochto,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Aute,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Eight.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Desch, Des,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Des,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Ten.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Bisch, Bis,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Bis</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Twenty.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Diwes,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Diw,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Day.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Ratti,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Ratch,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Night.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Cham, Cam,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tschanct</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The sun.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Panj,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Panj,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Water.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Sonnikey,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Suna,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Gold.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Rup,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Ruppa,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Silver.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Bal,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Bal,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The hair.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Aok,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Awk,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The eye.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Kan,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Kawn,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The ear.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Mui,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Mu,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The mouth.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Dant,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Dant,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>A tooth.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Sunjo,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Sunnj,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The hearing.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Sunj,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Sunkh,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The smell.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Sik,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tschik,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The taste.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Tschater,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Tschater,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>A tent.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Rajah,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Raja,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>The prince.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Baro,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Bura,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Great.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Kalo,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Kala,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Black.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Grea,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Gorra,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Horse.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Ker,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Gurr,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>House.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Pawnee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Paniee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Brook, drink, water.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p><!-- page 16--><a name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +16</span>Bebee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Beebe,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Aunt.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Bouropanee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Bura-panee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Ocean, wave.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Rattie,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Rat,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Dark night,</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Dad,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Dada,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Father.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> +<p>Mutchee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Muchee,</p> +</td> +<td> +<p>Fish.</p> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p>This language, called by themselves Slang, or Gibberish, invented, as +they think, by their forefathers for secret purposes, is not merely the +language of <i>one</i>, or a <i>few </i>of these wandering tribes, which +are found in the European Nations; but is adopted by the vast numbers who +inhabit the earth.</p> +<p>One of our reformed Gipsies, while in the army, was with his regiment at +Portsmouth, and being on garrison duty with an invalid soldier, he was +surprised to hear some words of the Gipsy language unintentionally uttered +by him, who was a German. On enquiring how he understood this +language, the German replied, that he was of Gipsy origin, and that it was +spoken by this race in every part of his native land, for purposes of +secrecy. <a name="citation16"></a><a href="#footnote16" +class="citation">[16]</a></p> +<p><!-- page 17--><a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 17</span>A +well known nobleman, who had resided many years in India, taking shelter +under a tree during a storm in this country, near a camp of Gipsies, was +astonished to hear them use several words he well knew were Hindostanee; +and going up to them, he found them able to converse with him in that +language.</p> +<p>Not long ago, a Missionary from India, who was well acquainted with the +language of Hindostan, was at the Author’s house when a Gipsy was +present; and, after a conversation which he had with her, he declared, +that, her people must once have known the Hindostanee language +<i>well</i>. Indeed Gipsies have often expressed surprise when words +have been read to them out of the Hindostanee vocabulary.</p> +<p>Lord Teignmouth once said to a young Gipsy woman in Hindostanee, <i>Tue +burra tschur</i>, that is, <i>Thou a great thief</i>. She immediately +replied; No—<i>I am not a thief</i>—<i>I live by fortune +telling</i>.</p> +<p>It can be no matter of surprise that this language, as spoken among this +people, is generally corrupted, when we consider, that, for many centuries, +they have known nothing of elementary science, and have been strangers to +books and letters. Perhaps the secrecy necessary to effect many of +their designs, has been the greatest means of preserving its scanty remains +among them. But an attempt to prove that they are <i>not</i> of <!-- +page 18--><a name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 18</span>Hindoo +origin, because they do not speak the Hindostanee with perfect correctness, +would be as absurd as to declare, that, our Gipsies are not natives of +England, because they speak very incorrect English. The few words +that follow, and which occurred in some conversations the Author had with +the most intelligent of the Gipsies he has met, prove how incorrectly they +speak <i>our</i> language; and yet it would be worse than folly to attempt +to prove that they are not natives of England.</p> +<p>Expencival <i>for</i> expensive.</p> +<p>Cide <i>for</i> decide.</p> +<p>Device <i>for</i> advice.</p> +<p>Dixen <i>for</i> dictionary. <a name="citation18"></a><a +href="#footnote18" class="citation">[18]</a></p> +<p>Ealfully <i>for</i> equally.</p> +<p>Indistructed <i>for</i> instructed.</p> +<p>Gemmem <i>for</i> gentleman.</p> +<p>Dauntment <i>for</i> daunted.</p> +<p>Spiteliness <i>for</i> spitefulness.</p> +<p>Hawcus Paccus <i>for</i> Habeas Corpus.</p> +<p>Increach <i>for</i> increase.</p> +<p>Commist <i>for</i> submit.</p> +<p>Brand, in his observations on <span class="smcap">Popular +Antiquities</span>, is of opinion that the first Gipsies fled from Asia, +when the cruel Timur Beg ravaged India, with a view to proselyte the +heathen to the Mohammedan religion; at which time about 500,000 human +beings were butchered by him. Some suppose, that, soon <!-- page +19--><a name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 19</span>after this +time, many who escaped the sword of this human fury, came into Europe +through Egypt; and on this account were called, in English, <span +class="smcap">Gipsies</span>.</p> +<p>Although there is not the least reason whatever to suppose the Gipsies +to have had an Egyptian origin, and although, as we have asserted in a +former page, they are strangers in that land of wonders to the present day; +yet it appears possible to me, that Egypt may have had something to do with +their present appellation. And allowing that the supposition is well +founded, which ascribes to them a passage through Egypt into European +nations, it is very likely they found their way to that place under the +following circumstances.</p> +<p>In the years 1408 and 1409, Timur Beg ravaged India, to make, as has +already been observed, proselytes to the Mohammedan delusion, when he put +hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants to the sword. It is very +rational to suppose, that numbers of those who had the happiness not to be +overtaken by an army so dreadful, on account of the cruelties it +perpetrated, should save their lives by flying from their native land, to +become wandering strangers in another. Now if we assert that the +Gipsies were of the Suder cast of Asiatic Indians, and that they found +their way from Hindostan into other and remote countries when Timur Beg +spread around him terrors so dreadful, it is natural to ask, why did not +some of the other casts of India accompany them? This objection has +no weight at all when we consider the hatred and contempt <!-- page 20--><a +name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 20</span>poured upon the Suder +by all the other casts of India. The Bramins, Tschechteries, and +Beis, were as safe, though menaced with destruction by Timur Beg, as they +would have been along with the Suder tribes, seeking a retreat from their +enemy in lands where he would not be likely to follow them. Besides, +the other casts, from time immemorial, have looked on their country as +especially given them of God; and they would as soon have suffered death, +as leave it. The Suders had not these prepossessions for their native +soil. They were a degraded people—a people looked on as the +lowest of the human race; and, with an army seeking their destruction, they +had every motive to leave, and none to stay in Hindostan.</p> +<p>It cannot be determined by what track the forefathers of the Gipsies +found their way from Hindostan to the countries of Europe. But it may +be presumed that they passed over the southern Persian deserts of Sigiston, +Makran and Kirman, along the Persian Gulph to the mouth of the Euphrates, +thence to Bassora into the deserts of Arabia, and thence into Egypt by the +Isthmus of Suez.</p> +<p>It is a fact not unworthy a place in these remarks on the origin of this +people, that they do not like to be called Gipsies, unless by those persons +whom they have reason to consider their real friends. This probably +arises from two causes of great distress to them—<i>Gipsies are +suspected and hated as the perpetrators of all crime</i>—<i>and they +are almost universally prosecuted as vagrants</i>. Is it to be +wondered at, that to strangers, <!-- page 21--><a name="page21"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 21</span>they do not like to acknowledge themselves as +Gipsies? I think not.</p> +<p>We will conclude our remarks on the origin of these erratic sons of +Adam, by adding the testimony of Col. Herriot, read before the Royal +Asiatic Society, Sir George Staunton in the chair. That gentleman, +giving an account of the Zingaree of India, says, that this class of people +are frequently met with in that part of Hindostan which is watered by the +Ganges, as well as the Malwa, Guzerat, and the Decan: they are called Nath, +or Benia; the first term signifying a <i>rogue</i>—and the second a +<i>dancer</i>, or <i>tumbler</i>. And the same gentleman cites +various authorities in demonstration of the resemblance between these +Gipsies and their neglected brethren in Europe. Nor does he think +that the English Gipsies are so degraded as is generally supposed; in +support of which he mentions some instances of good feeling displayed by +them under his own observation, while in Hampshire.</p> +<h2><!-- page 22--><a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +22</span>CHAP. II. Observations on the Character, Manners, and Habits +of the English Gipsies.</h2> +<p>The origin of this people is by no means of so much importance as the +knowledge of their present character, manners and habits, with the view to +the devising of proper plans for the improvement of their condition, and +their conversion to christianity: for to any one who desires to love his +neigbour as himself, their origin will be but a secondary +consideration.</p> +<p>Fifty years ago the Gipsies had their regular journeys, and often +remained one or two months in a place, when they worked at their +trades. And as access to different towns was more difficult than at +the present day, partly from the badness of the roads and partly from the +paucity of carriers, they were considered by the peasantry, and by small +farmers, of whom there were great numbers in those days, as very useful +branches of the human family; I mean the industrious and better part of +them. At that period they usually encamped in the farmers’ +fields, or slept in their barns; and not being subject to the <i>driving +system</i>, as they now are, they seldom robbed hedges; for their fires +were replenished with dead-wood procured, without any risk of fines or +imprisonments, from decayed trees and wooded banks. And it is proper +to suppose, <!-- page 23--><a name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +23</span>that, at such a time, their outrages and depredations were very +few.</p> +<p>It has already been stated that the Gipsies are very numerous, amounting +to about 700,000. It is supposed that there are about 18,000 in this +kingdom. But be they less or more, we ought never to +forget—that they are branches of the same family with +ourselves—that they are capable of being fitted for all the duties +and enjoyments of life—and, what is better than all, that they are +redeemed by the same Saviour, may partake of the same salvation, and be +prepared for the same state of immortal bliss, from whence flows to the +universal church of Christ, that peace which the world cannot take from +her. Their condition, therefore, at once commands our sympathies, +energies, prayers, and benevolence.</p> +<p>Gipsies in general are of a tawny or brown colour; but this is not +wholly hereditary. The chief cause is probably the lowness of their +habits; for they very seldom wash their persons, or the clothes they wear, +their linen excepted. Their alternate exposures to cold and heat, and +the smoke surrounding their small camps, perpetually tend to increase those +characteristics of complexion and feature by which they are at present +distinguishable.</p> +<p>It is not often that a Gipsy is seen well-dressed, even when they +possess costly apparel; but their women are fond of finery. They are +much delighted with broad lace, large ear-drops, a variety of rings, and +glaring colours; and, when they possess the <!-- page 24--><a +name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 24</span>means, shew how great a +share they have of that foolish vanity, which is said to be inherent in +females, and which leads many, destitute of the faith, and hope, and love, +and humility of the gospel, into utter ruin.</p> +<p>A remarkable instance of the love of costly attire in a female Gipsy, is +well known to the writer. The woman alluded to, obtained <i>a very +large sum of money</i> from three maiden ladies, pledging that it should be +doubled by her art in conjuration. She then decamped to another +district, where she bought a blood-horse, a black beaver hat, a new +side-saddle and bridle, a silver-mounted whip, and figured away in her +ill-obtained finery at the fairs. It is not easy to imagine the +disappointment and resentment of the covetous and credulous ladies, whom +she had so easily duped.</p> +<p>Nor indeed are the males of this people less addicted to the love of gay +clothing, if it suited their interests to exhibit it. An orphan, only +ten years of age, taken from actual starvation last winter, and who was fed +and clothed, and had every care taken of him, would not remain with those +who wished him well, and who had been his friends; but returned to the camp +from which he had been taken, saying, that he <i>would be a Gipsy</i>, +<i>and would wear silver buttons on his coat</i>, <i>and have topped +boots</i>; and when asked how he would get them, he replied—<i>by +catching rats</i>.</p> +<p>Some Gipsies try to excel others in the possession of silver +buttons. They will sometimes give as much as fifteen pounds for a +set. The females too spend many <!-- page 25--><a +name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 25</span>pounds on weighty gold +rings for their fingers. The Author has by him, belonging to a Gipsy, +three massy rings soldered together, and with a half sovereign on the top, +which serves instead of a brilliant stone. We pity a vain Gipsy whose +eyes are taken, and whose heart delights in such vulgar pomp. Are not +those equally pitiable, who estimate themselves only by the gaiety, +singularity, or costliness of their apparel? The Saviour has given us +a rule by which we may judge persons in reference to their dress, as well +as in other ostensibilities of character—<i>by their fruits ye shall +know them</i>.</p> +<p>The Gipsies are not strangers to pawn-brokers shops; but they do not +visit these places for the same purposes as the vitiated poor of our +trading towns. A pawnshop is their bank. When they acquire +property illegally, as by stealing, swindling, or fortune-telling, they +purchase valuable plate, and sometimes in the same hour pledge it for +safety. Such property they have in store against days of adversity +and trouble, which on account of their dishonest habits, often overtake +them. Should one of their families stand before a Judge of his +country, charged with a crime which is likely to cost him his life, or to +transport him, every article of value is sacrificed to save him from death, +or apprehended banishment. In such cases they generally retain a +Counsellor to plead for the brother in adversity.</p> +<p>At other times they carry their plate about with them, and when visited +by friends, they bring out from dirty bags, a silver tea-pot, and a +cream-jug and spoons <!-- page 26--><a name="page26"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 26</span>of the same metal. Their plate is by no +means paltry. Of course considerable property in plate is not very +generally possessed by them.</p> +<p>The Gipsies of this country are very punctual in paying their +debts. All the Shop-keepers, with whom they deal in these parts, have +declared, that they are some of their best and most honest customers. +For the payment of a debt which is owing to one of their own people, the +time and place are appointed by them, and should the debtor disappoint the +creditor, he is liable by their law of honour to pay double the amount he +owes; and he must pay it by personal servitude, if he cannot with money, if +he wish to be considered by his friends honest and respectable. They +call this law <i>pizharris</i>.</p> +<p>There are few of these unhappy people that can either read or +write. Yet a regular and frequent correspondence is kept up between +the members of families who have had the least advantage of the sort; and +those who have had no advantages whatever, correspond through the kindness +of friends who write for them. Numerous are the letters which they +receive from their relatives in New South Wales, to which Colony so many +hundreds of this unsettled race have been transported. Their letters +are usually left at one particular post-office, in the districts where they +travel; and should such letters not be called for during a long period, +they are usually kept by the post-master, who is sure they will be claimed, +sooner or later. A long journey will be no impediment, when a letter +is expected; <!-- page 27--><a name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +27</span>for a Gipsy will travel any distance to obtain an expected favour +of the kind. They are never heard to complain of the heavy expense of +postage.</p> +<p>We have already observed that there are many genuine features of +humanity in the character of this degraded and despised people. Their +constantly retaining an affectionate remembrance of their deceased +relatives, affords a striking proof of this statement. And their +attachment to the horse, donkey, rings, snuffbox, silver-spoons, and all +things, except the clothes, of the deceased relatives, is very +strong. With such articles they will never part, except in the +greatest distress; and then they only pledge some of them, which are +redeemed as soon as they possess the means.</p> +<p>Most families visit the graves of their near relatives, once in the +year; generally about the time of Christmas. Then the depository of +the dead becomes a rallying spot for the living; for there they renew their +attachments and sympathies, and give and receive assurances of continued +good will. At such periods however they are too often addicted to +feasting and intemperance.</p> +<p>The graves of the deceased of this people, are usually kept in very good +order in the various Church yards where they lie interred. This is +done by the Sextons, for which they are annually remunerated. +Sometimes large sums of money are expended on the erection of head-stones; +and in one instance a monument was erected in the County of Wilts at +considerable cost. It is not very long since, that the parents of a +deceased <!-- page 28--><a name="page28"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +28</span>Gipsy child, whom they loved very much, paid a great sum to have +it buried in the Church.</p> +<p>The Gipsies have a singular custom of burning all the clothes belonging +to any one among them deceased, with the straw, litter, &c, of his +tent. Whether this be from fear of infection, or from superstition, +the Author has not been able to learn. Perhaps both unite in the +continuation of a custom which must be attended with some loss to them. <a +name="citation28"></a><a href="#footnote28" class="citation">[28]</a></p> +<p>Seldom do these mysterious sons and daughters of Adam unite themselves +in the holy obligations of marriage, after the form of the Established +Church of our land. Nor, indeed, for so sacred a union, have they +<i>any ceremony at all</i>. The parents on each side are consulted on +such occasions, and if their consent be obtained, the parties become, after +their custom, <i>husband and wife</i>. Should the parents object, +like the thoughtless and imprudent persons in higher life, who flee to +Gretna Green, the Gipsy lovers also escape from their parents to another +district. When the couple are again met by the friends of the female, +they take her from her protector; but if it appear that he has treated her +kindly, and is likely to continue to do so, they restore her to him, and +all objections and animosities are forgotten.</p> +<p>As it seldom happens that they now stay more than a few days in one +place, the Gipsy, his wife, and each <!-- page 29--><a +name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 29</span>of their children, may +severally belong to different parishes. This is an objection to their +ultimate settlement in any one place. It will be some time before +this objection can be removed: not till the present generation of Gipsies +has passed away, and their posterity cease to make the wilderness their +homes, choosing a parish for a permanent place of settlement.</p> +<p>It may naturally be expected that these inhabitants of the field and +forest, the lane and the moor, are not without a knowledge of the medicinal +qualities of certain herbs. In all slight disorders they have +recourse to these remedies, and frequently use the inner bark of the elm, +star-in-the-earth, parsley, pellitory-in-the-wall, and wormwood. They +are not subject to the numerous disorders and fevers common in large towns; +but in some instances they are visited with that dreadful scourge of the +British nation, the Typhus fever, which spreads through their little camp, +and becomes fatal to some of its families. The small-pox and measles +are disorders they very much dread; but they are not more disposed to +rheumatic affections than those who live in houses. It is a fact, +however, that ought not to be passed over here, that when they leave their +tents to settle in towns, they are generally ill for a time. The +children of one family that wintered with us in 1831, were nearly all +attacked with fever that threatened their lives. This may be +occasioned by their taking all at once to regular habits, and the +renunciation of that exercise to which they have been so long accustomed, +<!-- page 30--><a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>with +some disposing qualities in their change of diet and the atmosphere of a +thickly populated town.</p> +<p>This people often live to a considerable age, many instances of which +are well known. In his tent at Launton, Oxfordshire, died in the year +1830, more than a hundred years of age, James Smith, called by some, the +King of the Gipsies. By his tribe he was looked up to with the +greatest respect and veneration. His remains were followed to the +grave by his widow, who is herself more than a hundred years old, and by +many of his children, grand-children, great grand-children, and other +relatives; and by several individuals of other tribes. At the funeral +his widow tore her hair, uttered the most frantic exclamations, and begged +to be allowed to throw herself on the coffin, that she might be buried with +her husband. The religion of the Redeemer would have taught her to +say, <i>The Lord gave</i>, <i>and the Lord hath taken away</i>; <i>blessed +be the name of the Lord</i>.</p> +<p>A woman of the name of B--- lived to the reputed age of a hundred and +twenty years, and up to that age was accustomed to sing her song very +gaily. Many events in the life of this woman were very +remarkable. In her youth she was a noted swindler. At one time +she got a large sum of money, and other valuable effects, from a lady; for +which and other offences, she was condemned to die. A petition was +presented to George the Third, to use the Gipsy’s own expression, who +told the author, <i>just after he had set </i><!-- page 31--><a +name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 31</span><i>up business</i>, +that is, begun to reign, and he attended to its prayer. The sentence +was reversed, and her life was consequently spared. But, poor woman, +she repented not of her sins; for she taught her daughter to commit the +same crimes for which she had been condemned; so that her delivery from +condemnation led to no salutary reformation.</p> +<p>The mutual attachment which subsists between the nominal husband and +wife, is so truly sincere, that instances of infidelity, on either side, +occur but seldom. They are known strictly to avoid all conversation +of an unchaste kind in their camps, except among the most degraded of them; +and instances of young females having children, before they pledge +themselves to those they love, are rare. This purity of morals, among +a people living as they do, speaks much in their favour.</p> +<p>The anxiety of a Gipsy parent to preserve the purity of the morals of a +daughter, is strongly portrayed in the following fact. The author +wished to engage as a servant the daughter of a Gipsy who was desirous of +quitting her vagrant life; but her mother strongly objected for some time; +and when pressed for the reason of such objection, she named the danger she +would be in a town, far from a mother’s eye. It would be well +if all others felt for their children as did this unlettered Gipsy. +After having promised that the morals of the child should be watched over, +she was confided to his care. And the author has known a Gipsy parent +correct with stripes a grown daughter, <!-- page 32--><a +name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 32</span>for mentioning what a +profligate person had talked about.</p> +<p>The following is an instance of conjugal attachment. A poor woman, +whose eldest child is now under the care of the Society for the improvement +of the Gipsies, being near her confinement, came into the neighbourhood of +Southampton, to be with her friends, who are reformed, during the +time. This not taking place so soon as she expected, and having +promised to meet her husband at a distance on a certain day, he not daring +to shew himself in Hampshire, she determined on going to him; and having +mounted her donkey, set off with her little family. She had a +distance of nearly fifty miles to travel, and happily reached the desired +spot, where she met her husband before her confinement took place. +The good people at Warminster, near which place she was, afforded her kind +and needful assistance; and one well-disposed lady became God-mother to the +babe, who was a fine little girl; the grateful mother pledging that, at a +proper age, she should be given up to Christians to be educated.</p> +<p>Before this woman left Southampton, referring to many kind attentions +shewn her by the charitable of that place, she was heard to say, +<i>Well</i>—<i>I did not think any one would take such trouble for +me</i>!</p> +<p>Professing to be church people whenever they speak of religion, the +Gipsies generally have their children baptized at the church near which +they are born, <!-- page 33--><a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +33</span>partly because they think it right, and partly, perhaps chiefly, +to secure the knowledge of the parish to which the child belongs; for every +illegitimate child is parishioner in the parish in which it happens to be +born. They will sometimes apply to the parish officers for something +toward the support of a child, which they call <i>settling the +baby</i>.</p> +<p>The sponsors at baptism are generally branches of the same family, and +they speak of their God-children with pleasure, who in return manifest a +high feeling of respect for them, and superstitiously ask their blessing on +old Christmas-days, when in company with them. It is worthy of remark +that all the better sort of Gipsies teach their children the <span +class="smcap">Lord’s Prayer</span>.</p> +<p>The anxiety evidenced by some parish officers to prevent these families +from settling in their districts, has occasionally led the Gipsies to act +unjustifiably by menacing them with the settlement of a number of their +families; but this, from their perpetual wandering, need never be +feared. Happy would it be for the Gipsies as a people, if these civil +officers did encourage them to stay longer in their neighbourhood; for they +then might be induced to commence and persevere in honest, industrious and +regular habits. Not long ago thirty-five Gipsies came to a parish in +Hampshire, to which they belonged, and demanded of the overseers ten +pounds, declaring that, if that sum were not given them, they would remain +there. Seven pounds were advanced, and they soon left the place.</p> +<h2><!-- page 34--><a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +34</span>CHAP. III. The Character, Manners and Habits of the English +Gipsies, continued.</h2> +<p>From the mode of living among the Gipsies, the parents are often +necessitated to leave their tents in the morning, and seldom return to them +before night. Their children are then left in or about their solitary +camps, having many times no adult with them; the elder children then have +the care of the younger. Those who are old enough gather wood for +fuel; nor is stealing it thought a crime. By the culpable neglect of +the parents in this respect, the children are often exposed to accidents by +fire; and melancholy instances of children being burnt and scalded to +death, are not unfrequent. The author knows one poor woman, two of +whose children have thus lost their lives, during her absence from her +tent, at different periods: and very lately a child was scalded to death in +the parish where the author writes.</p> +<p>The Gipsies are not very regular in attending to the calls of appetite +and hunger. Their principal meal is supper, and their food is +supplied in proportion to the success they have had through the day; or, to +use their own words, <i>the luck they have met with</i>.</p> +<p>Like the poor of the land through which they wander, they are fond of +tea, drinking it at every meal. <!-- page 35--><a +name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 35</span>When times are hard +with them, they use English herbs, of which they generally carry a stock, +such as agrimony, ground-ivy, wild mint, and the root of a herb called +spice-herb.</p> +<p>The trades they follow are generally chair-mending, knife-grinding, +tinkering, and basket-making, the wood for which they mostly steal. +Some of them sell hardware, brushes, corks, &c.; but in general, +neither old nor young among them, do much that can be called labour. +And it is lamentable that the greatest part of the little they do earn, is +laid by to spend at their festivals; for like many tribes of uncivilized +Indians, they mostly make their women support their families, who generally +do it by swindling and fortune-telling. Their baskets introduce them +to the servants of families, of whom they beg victuals, to whom they sell +trifling wares, and tell their fortunes, which indeed is their principal +aim, as it is their greatest source of gain. They have been awkwardly +fixed, both servants and the Gipsy fortune-teller, when the lady of the +house has unexpectedly gone into the kitchen and surprised them while thus +employed; and sometimes, to avoid detection, the obnoxious party has been +hurried into a closet, or butler’s pantry, where there has been much +plate. Few are aware of the losses that have attended the conduct of +unprincipled servants in this, as in other respects. It may be hoped +that few families would knowingly look over conduct so improper, so +dangerous.</p> +<p>Many of these idle soothsayers endeavour to persuade <!-- page 36--><a +name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 36</span>the people whom they +delude, that the power to foretell future events, is granted to them from +heaven, to enable them to get bread for their families. It would be +well were the prognostications of these women encouraged only among +servants; but this is not the case. They are often invited into gay +and fashionable circles, whom they amuse, if, by the information possessed +by the parties, they are not cunning enough to deceive. They are well +paid, and are thus encouraged in their iniquity by those who ought to know, +and <i>teach them</i> better. But it is astonishing how many +<i>respectable</i> people are led away with the artful flattery of such +visitors. They forget that the Gipsy fortune-teller has often made +herself acquainted with their connexions, business, and future prospects, +and consider not that God commits not his secrets to the wicked and +profane. They use not the reason heaven has given them, and are +therefore more easily led astray by these crafty deceivers.</p> +<p>They generally prophesy good. Knowing the readiest way to deceive, +to a young lady they describe a handsome gentleman, as one she may be +assured will be her “husband.” To a youth they promise a +pretty lady, with a large fortune. And thus suiting their deluding +speeches to the age, circumstances, anticipations and prospects of those +who employ them, they seldom fail to please their vanity, and often gain a +rich reward for their fraud.</p> +<p>They suit their incantations, or their pretended means of gaining +knowledge, to their employers. Two <!-- page 37--><a +name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 37</span>female servants went +into the camp of some Gipsies near Southampton, to have their fortunes told +by one well known to the author, and a great professor of the art. On +observing them to appear like persons in service, she said to a companion, +<i>I shall not get my books or cards for them</i>; <i>they are but +tenants</i>. And calling for a frying-pan, she ordered them to fill +it with water, and hold their faces over it. This being done, she +proceeded to flatter and to promise them great things, for which she was +paid 1<i>s</i> 6<i>d</i> each. This is called the frying-pan +fortune. But it ought to be remembered that all fortune-telling is +quite as contemptible.</p> +<p>These artful pretenders to a knowledge of future events, generally +discover who are in possession of property; and if they be superstitious +and covetous, they contrive to persuade them there is a lucky stone in +their house, and that, if they will entrust to them, <i>all</i>, or a +<i>part of their money</i>, they will double and treble it. Sorry is +the author to say that they often gain their point. Tradesmen have +been known to sell their goods at a considerable loss, hoping to have the +money doubled to them by the supposed power of these wicked females, who +daringly promise to multiply the blessings of Providence.</p> +<p>If the fortune-teller cannot succeed in obtaining a large sum at first, +from such credulous dupes, she commences with a small one; and then +pretending it to be too insignificant for the planets to work upon, she +soon gets it doubled, and when she has succeeded <!-- page 38--><a +name="page38"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 38</span>in getting all she can, +she decamps with her booty, leaving her mortified victims to the just +punishment of disappointment and shame, who are afraid of making their +losses known, lest they should be exposed to the ridicule they +deserve. Parties in Gloucestershire, Dorsetshire, and Hampshire, have +been robbed in this manner of considerable sums, even as much as three and +four hundred pounds, the greatest part of which has been spent in +Hampshire.</p> +<p>A young lady in Gloucestershire allowed herself to be deluded by a Gipsy +woman of artful and insinuating address, to a very great extent. This +lady admired a young gentleman, and the Gipsy promised that he would return +her love. The lady gave her all the plate in the house, and a gold +chain and locket, with no other security than a vain promise that they +should be restored at a given period. As might be expected, the +wicked woman was soon off with her booty, and the lady was obliged to +expose her folly. The property being too much to lose, the woman was +pursued, and overtaken. She was found washing her clothes in a Gipsy +camp, with the gold chain about her neck. She was taken up; but on +restoring the articles, was allowed to escape.</p> +<p>The same woman afterwards persuaded a gentleman’s groom, that she +could put him in possession of a great sum of money, if he would first +deposit with her, all he then had. He gave her five pounds and his +watch, and borrowed for her ten more of two of his friends. She +engaged to meet him at midnight in a <!-- page 39--><a +name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span>certain place a mile +from the town where he lived, and that he there should dig up out of the +ground a silver pot full of gold, covered with a clean napkin. He +went with his pick-axe and shovel at the appointed time to the supposed +lucky spot, having his confidence strengthened by a dream he happened to +have about money, which he considered a favourable omen of the wealth he +was soon to receive. Of course he met no Gipsy; she had fled another +way with the property she had so wickedly obtained. While waiting her +arrival, a hare started suddenly from its resting place, and so alarmed +him, that he as suddenly took to his heels and made no stop till he reached +his master’s house, where he awoke his fellow servants and told to +them his disaster.</p> +<p>This woman, who made so many dupes, rode a good horse, and dressed both +gaily and expensively. One of her saddles cost £30. It +was literally studded with silver; for she carried on it the emblems of her +profession wrought in that metal; namely, a half-moon, seven stars, and the +rising sun. Poor woman! <i>her</i> sun is now nearly set. Her +sins have found her out. She has been in great distress on account of +a son, who was transported for robbery; but has never thought of seeking, +as a penitent, refuge in the God of mercy; for seeing one of her reformed +companions reading the New Testament, she exclaimed, <i>That book will make +you crazy</i>, at the same time calling her a fool for burning her +fortune-telling book. Her condition is now truly wretched; for her +ill-gotten gains are all fled, and she is dragging out a miserable +existence, refusing <!-- page 40--><a name="page40"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 40</span>still to seek the mercy of God, and despising +those who have made him their refuge.</p> +<p>Another woman, whom the author would also call a <i>bad</i> Gipsy, who +likewise practised similar deceptions, having persuaded a person to put his +notes and money in a wrapper and lock it up in a box, she obtained the +liberty of seeing it in his presence, that she might pronounce certain +words over it; and although narrowly watched, she contrived to steal it, +and to convey into the box a parcel similar in appearance, but which on +examination, contained only a bundle of rubbish. This money amounted +to several hundred pounds. She was immediately pursued and taken with +the whole amount about her person. She was also allowed to escape +justice, because the covetous old man neither wished to expose himself, nor +waste his money in a prosecution.</p> +<p>The daughter of this woman has followed the same evil and infamous +practices; and the crime has descended to her through several +generations. Many circumstances like the above are hid to prevent the +shame that would assuredly follow their exposure. But the day of +Christ will exhibit both these deceivers and their dupes, who are equally +heinous in the sight of God. It were well if such characters had paid +more attention to the words of the apostle Paul—<i>And having food +and raiment</i>, <i>let us therewith be content</i>. <i>They that +will be rich</i>, <i>fall into temptation</i>, <i>and a snare</i>, <i>and +into many foolish and hurtful lusts</i>, <i>which drown men in +destruction</i>. <i>The love of money is the root of all </i><!-- +page 41--><a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +41</span><i>evil</i>; <i>which</i>, <i>while some have coveted after</i>, +<i>they have erred from the faith</i>, <i>and pierced themselves through +with many sorrows</i>.</p> +<p>Not to mention many other facts with which the author is acquainted, and +which he would relate, were he not likely thereby too much to enlarge his +work, he will conclude this chapter with observing, that, thankfulness to +Almighty God, for the blessings we enjoy, less anxiety about future events, +and more confidence in what God has revealed in his word and providence, +would leave no room for the encouragement of Gipsy fortune-tellers, and +their craft would soon be discontinued.</p> +<h2><!-- page 42--><a name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +42</span>CHAP. IV. The Character, Manners, and Habits of the English +Gipsies, continued.</h2> +<p>Among this poor and destitute people, instances of great guilt, +depravity and misery are too common; nor can it be otherwise expected, +while they are destitute of the knowledge of salvation in a crucified and +ascended Saviour. One poor Gipsy, who had wandered in a state of +wretchedness, bordering on despair, for nearly forty years, had not in all +that time, <i>heard of the Name which is above every name</i>; <i>for there +is salvation in no other</i>; till in his last days some Christian directed +him to the Bible, as a book that tells poor sinners the way to God. +He gave a woman a guinea to read its pages to him; and he remunerated +another woman, who read to him the book of Common Prayer. The last +few years of his life were marked by strong conviction of sin. His +children thought he must have been a murderer. They often saw him +under the hedges at prayer. In his last moments he received comfort +through a pious minister, who visited him in his tent, and made him +acquainted with the promises of the gospel.</p> +<p>A similar instance has been related by a clergyman known to the author; +nor should the interview of <!-- page 43--><a name="page43"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 43</span><span class="smcap">George the Third</span> +with a poor Gipsy woman, be forgotten; for a brighter example of +condescending kindness is not furnished in the history of kings. This +gracious monarch became the minister of instruction and comfort to a dying +Gipsy, to whom he was drawn by the cries of her children, and saw her +expire cheered by the view of that redemption he had set before her.</p> +<p>But how few are there of the tens of thousands of Gipsies, who have died +in Britain, that, whether living or dying, have been visited by the +minister or his people! The father of three orphan children lately +taken under the Care of the Southampton Committee for the improvement of +the Gipsies, had lived an atheist, but such he could not die. He had +often declared there was no God; but before his death, he called one of his +sons to him and said—<i>I have always said there was no God</i>, +<i>but now I know there is</i>; <i>I see him now</i>. He attempted to +pray, but knew not how! And many other Gipsies have been so afraid of +God, that they dreaded to be alone.</p> +<p>It is a fact not generally known, that the Gipsies of this country have +not much knowledge of one another’s tribes, or clans, and are very +particular to keep to their own. Nor will those who style themselves +respectable, allow their children to marry into the more depraved +clans.</p> +<p>The following are a few of the family names of the Gipsies of this +country:—Williams, Jones, Plunkett, <!-- page 44--><a +name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 44</span>Cooper, Glover, Carew +(descendants of the famous Bamfield Moore Carew), Loversedge, Mansfield, +Martin, Light, Lee, Barnett, Boswell, Carter, Buckland, Lovell, Corrie, +Bosvill, Eyres, Smalls, Draper, Fletcher, Taylor, Broadway, Baker, Smith, +Buckly, Blewett, Scamp, and Stanley. Of the last-named family there +are more than two hundred, most of whom are known to the author, and are +the most ancient clans in this part of England.</p> +<p>It is a well-authenticated fact, that many persons pass for Gipsies who +are not. Such persons having done something to exclude them from +society, join themselves to this people, and marrying into their clans, +become the means of leading them to crimes they would not have thought of, +but for their connection with such wicked people. Coining money and +forging notes are, however, crimes which cannot be justly attributed to +them. Indeed it has been too much the custom to impute to them a +great number of crimes of which they either never were guilty, or which +could only be committed by an inconsiderable portion of their race; and +they have often suffered the penalty of the law, when they have not in the +least deserved it. They have been talked of by the public, and +prosecuted by the authorities, as the perpetrators of every vice and +wickedness alike shocking to civil and savage life. Nor is this to be +wondered at, living as they do, so remote from observation and the walks of +common life.</p> +<p><!-- page 45--><a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +45</span>Whoever has read Grellman’s Dissertation on the Continental +Gipsies, and supposes that those of England are equally immoral and +vicious, will be found greatly mistaken. The former are a banditti of +robbers, without natural affection, living with each other almost like +brutes, and scarcely knowing, and assuredly never caring about the +existence of God; some of them are even counted cannibals. The +Gipsies of this country are altogether different; for monstrous crimes are +seldom heard of among them.</p> +<p>The author is not aware of any of them being convicted of +house-breaking, or high-way robbery. Seldom are they guilty of +sheep-stealing, or robbing henroosts. <a name="citation45"></a><a +href="#footnote45" class="citation">[45]</a> Nor can they be justly +charged with stealing children; this is the work of worthless beggars who +often commit far greater crimes than the Gipsies.</p> +<p>They avoid poaching, knowing that the sporting gentlemen would be severe +against them, and that they would not be permitted to remain in the lanes +and commons near villages. They sometimes take osiers from the banks +and coppices of the farmer, of which they make their baskets; and +occasionally have been known to steal a sheep, but never when they have had +any thing to eat, or money to buy it with; for according to a proverb they +have among themselves, <i>they despise those who risk their necks for their +bellies</i>.</p> +<p>The author however recollects a transgression of the <!-- page 46--><a +name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 46</span>sort in the county of +Hants. Eight Gipsy men united in stealing four sheep: four were +chosen by lot for the purpose. They sharpened their knives, rode to +the field, perpetrated the act, and before day-break brought to their camp +the sheep they had engaged to steal; and, before the evening of the same +day, they were thirty miles distant. But when pressed by hunger, they +have been known to take a worse method than this. For as the farmers +seldom deny them a sheep that has died in the field, if they apply for it, +<i>so many</i> were found dead in this way, that a certain farmer suspected +the Gipsies of occasioning their deaths. He therefore caused one of +these animals to be opened, and discovered a piece of wool in its throat, +with which it had been suffocated. The Gipsies, who had no objection +to creatures that die in their blood, had killed all these sheep in the +above manner.</p> +<p>Horse-stealing is one of their principal crimes, and at this they are +very dextrous. When disposed to steal a horse, they select one a few +miles from their tent, and make arrangements for disposing of it at a +considerable distance, to which place they will convey it in a night. +An old and infirm man has been known to ride a stolen horse nearly fifty +miles in that time. They pass through bye-lanes, well known to them, +and thus avoid turnpikes and escape detection.</p> +<p>Unless they are taught better principles than at present they possess, +and unless those on whom they impose, use their understandings, it is to be +feared that swindling also will long continue among them; for <!-- page +47--><a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 47</span>they are so +ingenious in avoiding detection. When likely to be discovered, a +change of dress enables them to remove with safety to any distance. +Instances of this kind have been innumerable. But as it is the aim of +this book to solicit a better feeling towards them, rather than expose them +to the continuation of censure, the writer will not enter into further +detail in reference to their crimes, than barely to shew the great evils +into which they have been led by many of those in high life, who have long +encouraged them in the savage practice of prize-fighting. Pugilism +has been the disgrace of our land, and our nobility and gentry have not +been ashamed to patronize it.</p> +<p>Not long ago a fight took place in this county which will be a lasting +disgrace to the neighbourhood. One of the pugilists, a Gipsy, in the +pride of his heart, said during the fight, that he <i>never would be beaten +so long as he had life</i>. The poor wretch fought till not a feature +of his countenance could be seen, his head and face being swollen to a +frightful size, and his eyes quite closed. He attempted to tear them +open that he might see his antagonist; and was at last taken off the +stage. Not satisfied with this brutal scene, the spectators offered a +purse of ten guineas for another battle. This golden bait caught the +eye of another Gipsy, who, but a few months before, had ruptured a +blood-vessel in fighting. Throwing up his hat on the stage, the sign +of challenge, he was soon met with a fellow as degraded as himself, but +with much more strength and activity. He was three times laid +prostrate <!-- page 48--><a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +48</span>at the feet of his antagonist, and was taken away almost +lifeless. His conqueror put a half-crown into his hand as he was +carried off, saying, it was a little something for him to drink. +About three months after this, the author saw this poor Gipsy in his tent, +in the last stage of a consumption; but he was without any marks of true +penitence. Surely the way of wickedness is full of misery!</p> +<p>What a disgrace is this demoralizing mode of amusement to our +country! Degrading to the greatest degree, it is nevertheless pursued +with avidity by all classes of people; and large bets are often depending +on these brutal exercises. Gentlemen, noblemen, and even ladies, are, +on such occasions, mixed with the most degraded part of the +community. In the instance referred to it is said, that fifty pounds +were taken by admitting carriages into the field in which the fight took +place. Where were the peace-officers at this time? Perhaps some +of them spectators of the horrid scene!</p> +<p>Verily our men of rank and fortune are guilty in encouraging these +shocking practices; and they are little better than murderers, who goad +their fellow-men on to fight by the offer of money. Such persons are +frequently instruments of sending sinners, the most unprepared, into the +presence of a righteous God. What an account will they have to give +when they meet the victims of their amusement at the bar of Christ!</p> +<p>The Gipsies often fight with each other at fairs, and <!-- page 49--><a +name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 49</span>other places where they +meet in great numbers. This is their way of settling old grudges; but +so soon as one yields, the quarrel is made up, and they repair to a public +house to renew their friendship. This forgiving spirit is a pleasing +trait in their character.</p> +<h2><!-- page 50--><a name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +50</span>CHAP. V. Further Account of the English Gipsies.</h2> +<p>It has been the lot of Gipsies in all countries to be despised, +persecuted, hated, and have the vilest things said about them. In +many cases they have too much merited the odium which they have experienced +in continental Europe; but certainly they are not deserving of universal +and unqualified contempt and hatred in this nation. The dislike they +have to rule and order has led many of them to maim themselves by cutting +off a finger, that they might not serve in either the army or the navy: and +I believe there is one instance known, of some Gipsies murdering a witness +who was to appear against some of their people for horse-stealing: the +persons who were guilty of the deed have been summoned to the bar of +Christ, and in their last moments exclaimed with horror and despair, +“Murder, murder.” But these circumstances do not stamp +their race without exception as infamous monsters in wickedness. Not +many years since several of their men were hung in different places for +stealing fourteen horses near Bristol, who experienced the truth of that +scripture, <i>be sure your sins will find you out</i>. Indeed there +is not a family among them that has not to mourn over the loss of some +relative for <!-- page 51--><a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +51</span>the commission of this crime. But even in this respect their +guilt has been much over-rated; for in many cases it is to be feared they +have suffered innocently. There was formerly a reward of 40<i>l</i> +to those who gave information of offenders, on their being capitally +convicted. Those of the lower orders, therefore, who were destitute +of principle, had a great temptation before them to swear falsely in +reference to Gipsies; and of which it is known they sometimes availed +themselves, knowing that few would befriend them. For the sake of the +above sum, vulgarly, but too justly called <i>blood-money</i>, they +perjured themselves, and were much more wicked than the people they +accused. But the Gipsies were thought to be universally depraved, and +no one thought it worth his while to investigate their innocence. Let +us be thankful that many at the present day look upon them with better +feelings.</p> +<p>Very lately one of these vile informers swore to having seen a Gipsy man +on a horse that had been stolen; and although it came out on the trial, +that it was night when he observed him, and that he had never seen him +before, which ought to have rendered his evidence invalid, the prisoner was +convicted and condemned to die. His life was afterwards spared by +other facts having been discovered and made known to the judge, after he +had left the city.</p> +<p>The Gipsies in this country have for centuries been accused of +child-stealing; and therefore it is not to be wondered at, that, when +children have been missing, the Gipsies should be taxed with having stolen +them. <!-- page 52--><a name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +52</span>About thirty years since, some parents who had lost a child, +applied to a man at Portsmouth, well known in those days, by the name of +Payne, or Pine, as an astrologer, wishing to know from him what was become +of it. He told them <i>to search the Gipsy tents for twenty miles +round</i>. The distressed parents employed constables, who made +diligent search in every direction to that distance, but to no purpose; the +child was not to be found in their camps. It was however soon +afterwards discovered, drowned in one of its father’s pits, who was a +tanner. Thus was this pretended astrologer exposed to the ridicule of +those who but a short time before foolishly looked on him as an oracle.</p> +<p>On another occasion the same accusation was brought against the Gipsies, +and proved to be false. The child of a widow at Portsmouth was lost, +and after every search was made on board the ships in the harbour, and at +Spithead, and the ponds dragged in the neighbourhood, to no effect, it was +concluded that the Gipsies had stolen him. The boy was found a few +years afterwards, at Kingston-upon-Thames, apprenticed to a chimney +sweeper. He had been enticed away by a person who had given him +sweet-meats; but not by a Gipsy.</p> +<p>I may be allowed here to say a word about this boy’s mother. +She was a good and pious woman, and had known great trials. Her +husband was drowned in her presence but a short time before she lost her +son in the mysterious way mentioned; and before he was heard of, she was +removed to the enjoyment of a better <!-- page 53--><a +name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 53</span>world. Her death +was a very happy one, for it took place while she was engaged in public +worship. <i>Many are the afflictions of the righteous</i>, <i>but the +Lord delivereth them out of them all</i>.</p> +<p>Instances have been known of house-breakers leaving some of their stolen +goods near the tents of the Gipsies; and these being picked up by the +children, and found upon them, have been the cause of much unjust suffering +among them. The grandfather of three little orphans now under the +care of the Southampton Committee, was charged with stealing a horse, and +was condemned and executed; although the farmer of whom he bought it, came +forward and swore to the horse being the same which he had sold him. +His evidence was rejected on account of some slight mistake in the +description he gave of it. When under the gallows, the frantic Gipsy +exclaimed—<i>Oh God</i>, <i>if thou dost not deliver me</i>, <i>I +will not believe there is a God</i>!</p> +<p>The following anecdote will prove the frequent oppression of this +people. Not many years since, a collector of taxes in a country town, +said he had been robbed of fifty pounds by a Gipsy; and being soon after at +Blandford in Dorsetshire, he fixed on a female Gipsy, as the person who +robbed him in company with two others, and said she was in man’s +clothes at the time. They were taken up and kept in custody for some +days; and had not a farmer voluntarily come forward, and proved that they +were many miles distant when the robbery was said to be perpetrated, they +would have been tried for their lives, and probably <!-- page 54--><a +name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 54</span>hanged. The woman +was the wife of Wm. Stanley, (who was in custody with her,) who now reads +the Scriptures in the Gipsy tents near Southampton. Their wicked +accuser was afterwards convicted of a crime for which he was condemned to +die, when he confessed that he had not been robbed at the time referred to, +but had himself spent the whole of the sum in question.</p> +<p>Another Gipsy of the name of Stanley was lately indicted at Winchester, +for house-breaking, and had not his friends at great expense proved an +<i>alibi</i>, it is likely he might have been executed. And in this +way have they been suspected and persecuted ever since the days of Henry +the Eighth. They have been hunted like wild beasts; their property +has been taken from them; themselves have been frequently imprisoned, and +in many cases their lives taken, or what to many of them would be much +worse, they have been transported to another part of the world, for ever +divided from their families and friends.</p> +<p>In the days of Judge Hale, thirteen of these unhappy beings were hanged +at Bury St Edmonds, for no other cause than that they were Gipsies; and at +that time it was death without benefit of clergy, for any one to live among +them for a month. Even in later days two of the most industrious of +this people have had a small pony and two donkeys taken away merely on +suspicion that they were stolen. They were apprehended and carried +before a magistrate, to whom they proved that the animals were their own, +<!-- page 55--><a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 55</span>and +that they had legally obtained them. The cattle were then pounded for +trespassing on the common, and if their oppressed owners had not had money +to defray the expenses, one of the animals must have been sold for that +purpose.</p> +<p>Not long ago, one of the Gipsies was suspected of having stolen lead +from a gentleman’s house. His cart was searched, but no lead +being found in his possession, he was imprisoned for three months, for +living under the hedges as a vagrant; and his horse, which was worth +thirteen pounds, was sold to meet the demands of the constables. And +another Gipsy, who had two horses in his possession, was suspected of +having stolen them, but he proved that they were legally his +property. He was committed for three months as a vagrant, and one of +his horses was sold to defray the expenses of his apprehension, +examination, &c.</p> +<p>While writing this part of the <span class="smcap">Gipsies’ +Advocate</span>, the author knows that a poor, aged, industrious woman, +with whom he has been long acquainted, had her donkey taken from her, and +that a man with four witnesses swore that it was his property. The +poor woman told a simple, artless tale to the magistrates, and was not +fully committed. She was allowed two days to bring forward the person +of whom she bought it. Conscious of her innocence, she was willing to +risk a prison if she could recover her donkey, and establish her +character. After a great deal of trouble and expense in dispatching +messengers to bring forward <!-- page 56--><a name="page56"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 56</span>her witnesses, she succeeded in obtaining +them. They had no sooner made their appearance than the accuser and +his witnesses fled, and left the donkey to the right owner, the poor, +accused and injured woman.</p> +<p>It cannot be expected that oppression will ever reform this people, or +cure them of their wandering habits. Far more likely is it to confirm +them in their vagrant propensities. And as their numbers do not +decrease, oppression will only render them the dread of one part of their +fellow-creatures, while it will make them the objects of scorn and obloquy +to others.</p> +<p>It is the earnest wish of the author that milder measures may be pursued +in reference to the Gipsies. To endeavour to improve their morals, +and instruct them in the principles of religion, will, under the divine +blessing, turn to better account than the hateful and oppressive policy so +long adopted.</p> +<h2><!-- page 57--><a name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +57</span>CHAP. VI. Further Account of the English Gipsies.</h2> +<p>Many persons are of opinion in reference to the Gipsies, that, if all +the parishes were alike severe in forcing them from their retreats, they +would soon find their way into towns. But if this were the case, what +advantage would they derive from it? In large towns, in their present +ignorant and depraved state, would they not be still more wicked? +They would change their condition only from bad to worse, unless they were +treated better than they now are, and could be properly employed; but from +the prejudice that exists among all classes of men against them, this is +not likely to be the case: they would not be employed by any, while other +persons could be got. At a hop plantation, so lately as 1830, Gipsies +were not allowed to pick hops in some grounds, while persons as unsettled +and undeserving, were engaged for that purpose. Had this been a +parochial arrangement to benefit the poor of their own neighbourhood, who +were out of employ, it were not blameable.</p> +<p>If they were driven to settle in towns, and could not, generally +speaking, obtain employment, it might soon become necessary to remove all +their children to their own parishes; a measure not only very unhappy <!-- +page 58--><a name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 58</span>in itself, +but one to which the Gipsies would never submit. Sooner would they +die than suffer their children to go to the parish workhouses.</p> +<p>The severe and unchristian-like treatment they meet with from many, only +obliges them to travel further, and often drives them to commit greater +depredations. When driven by the constables from their station, they +retire to a more solitary place in another parish, and there remain till +they are again detected, and again mercilessly driven away. But this +severity does not accomplish the end it has in view; their numbers remain +the same, and they retain the same dislike to the crowded haunts of +man. For they only visit towns in small parties, offering trifling +wares for sale, or telling fortunes; and this is done to gain a present +support.</p> +<p>In this neighbourhood there was lately a sweeping of the commons and +lanes of the Gipsy families. Their horses and donkeys were driven +off, and the sum of £3 5<i>s</i> levied on them as a fine to pay the +constables for thus afflicting them. In one tent during this +distressing affair, there was found an unburied child, that had been +scalded to death, its parents not having money to defray the expenses of +its interment. The constables declared that it would make any heart +ache to see the anguish the poor people were in, when thus inhumanly driven +from their resting places; but, said they, <i>We were obliged to do our +duty</i>. To the credit of these men, thirteen in number, it should +be mentioned, that, with only one exception, they returned the <!-- page +59--><a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 59</span>fines to the +people; and one of them, who is a carpenter, offered a coffin for the +unburied child, should the parish be unwilling to bury it.</p> +<p>In this instance of their affliction and grief, the propensity to accuse +these poor creatures was strongly marked by a report charging them with +having dug a grave on the common in which to bury it; a circumstance very +far from their feelings and general habits. The fact was, some person +had been digging holes in search of gravel, and these poor creatures +pitched their tent just by one of them.</p> +<p>It was supposed by many in this neighbourhood, that the poor wretches +thus driven away, were gone out of the country; but this was not the +case. They had only retired to more lonely places in smaller parties, +and were all seen again a few days after at a neighbouring fair. This +circumstance is sufficient to prove that they are not to be reclaimed by +prosecutions and fines. It is therefore high time the people of +England should adopt more merciful measures towards them in endeavouring to +bring them into a more civilized state. The money spent in sustaining +prosecutions against them, if properly applied, would accomplish this great +and benevolent work. And without flattering any of its members, the +author thinks the Committee at Southampton have discovered plans, wholly +different to those usually adopted, which may prove much more effectual in +accomplishing their reformation; for by these plans being put in prudent +<!-- page 60--><a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +60</span>operation, many have already ceased to make the lanes and commons +their home; and their minds are becoming enlightened and their characters +religious.</p> +<p>In concluding this chapter it may not be improper to remark, that, bad +as may be the character of any of our fellow-creatures, it is very +lamentable that they should suffer for crimes of which individually they +are not guilty. Let us hope that, in reference to this people, unjust +executions have ceased; that people will be careful in giving evidence +which involves the rights, liberties, and lives of their fellow-creatures, +though belonging to the unhappy tribes of Gipsies; and above all, let us +hope, that such measures will be pursued by the good and benevolent of this +highly favoured land, as will place them in situations where they will +learn to fear God, and support themselves honestly in the sight of all +men.</p> +<h2><!-- page 61--><a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +61</span>CHAP. VII. Of the formation of the Southampton Committee, +and the success that has attended its endeavours.</h2> +<p>Although the Gipsies, on account of their unsettled habits, their +disposition to evil practices, and that ignorance of true religion, which +is inseparably connected with a life remote from all the forms of external +worship, and from the influence of religious society, may be said to be in +a most lamentably wretched state; yet is their condition not +desperate. They are rational beings, and have many feelings +honourable to human nature. They are not as the heathens of other +countries, addicted to any system of idolatry; and what is of infinite +encouragement, they inhabit a land of Bibles and of Christian ministers; +and, although at present, they derive so little benefit from these +advantages, there are many of them willing to receive instruction. +The following details, to which I gladly turn, will shew that, when +<i>patient</i> and <i>persevering</i> means are used, Gipsies may be +brought to know God; and no body of people were ever yet converted to +Christianity without means. The following circumstances gave rise to +the idea of forming a society for the improvement of this people.</p> +<p>In March, 1827, during the Lent Assizes, the author <!-- page 62--><a +name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 62</span>was in Winchester, and +wishing to speak with the sheriff’s chaplain, he went to the court +for that purpose. He happened to enter just as the judge was passing +sentence of death on two unhappy men. To one he held out the hope of +mercy; but to the other, <i>a poor Gipsy</i>, who was convicted of +horse-stealing, he said, <i>no hope could be given</i>. The young +man, for he was but a youth, immediately fell on his knees, and with +uplifted hands and eyes, apparently unconscious of any persons being +present but the judge and himself, addressed him as follows: +“<i>Oh</i>! <i>my Lord</i>, <i>save my life</i>!” The +judge replied, “<i>No</i>; <i>you can have no mercy in this +world</i>: <i>I and my brother judges have come to the determination to +execute horse-stealers</i>, <i>especially Gipsies</i>, <i>because of the +increase of the crime</i>.” The suppliant, still on his knees, +entreated—“<i>Do</i>, <i>my Lord Judge</i>, <i>save my +life</i>! <i>do</i>, <i>for God’s sake</i>, <i>for my wife’s +sake</i>, <i>for my baby’s sake</i>!” +“<i>No</i>,” replied the judge, “<i>I cannot</i>: <i>you +should have thought of your wife and children before</i>.” He +then ordered him to be taken away, and the poor fellow was <i>rudely +dragged</i> from his earthly judge. It is hoped, as a penitent +sinner, he obtained the more needful mercy of God, through the abounding +grace of Christ. After this scene, the author could not remain in +court. As he returned, he found the mournful intelligence had been +communicated to some Gipsies who had been waiting without, anxious to learn +the fate of their companion. They seemed distracted.</p> +<p>On the outside of the court, seated on the ground, <!-- page 63--><a +name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 63</span>appeared an old woman, +and a very young one, and with them two children, the eldest three years, +and the other an infant but fourteen days old. The former sat by its +mother’s side, alike unconscious of her bitter agonies, and of her +father’s despair. The old woman held the infant tenderly in her +arms, and endeavoured to comfort its weeping mother, soon to be a widow +under circumstances the most melancholy. <i>My dear</i>, +<i>don’t cry</i>, said she, <i>remember you have this dear little +baby</i>. Impelled by the sympathies of pity and a sense of duty, the +author spoke to them on the evil of sin, and expressed his hope that the +melancholy event would prove a warning to them, and to all their +people. The poor man was executed about a fortnight after his +condemnation.</p> +<p>This sad scene, together with Hoyland’s Survey of the Gipsies, +which the author read about this time, combined to make a deep impression +on his mind, and awaken an earnest desire which has never since decreased, +to assist and improve this greatly neglected people. The more he +contemplated their condition and necessities, the difficulties in the way +of their reformation continued to lessen, and his hope of success, in case +any thing could be done for them, became more and more confirmed. He +could not forget the poor young widow whom he had seen in such deep +distress at Winchester, and was led to resolve, if he should meet her +again, to offer to provide for her children.</p> +<p>Some weeks elapsed before he could hear any thing of her, till one day +he saw the old woman sitting on <!-- page 64--><a name="page64"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 64</span>the ground at the entrance of Southampton, with +the widow’s infant on her knee. “Where is your +daughter?” he inquired. “Sir,” she replied, +“She is my niece; she is gone into the town.” “Will +you desire her to call at my house?” “I will, sir,” +said the poor old woman, to whom the author gave his address.</p> +<p>In about an hour after this conversation, the widow and her aunt +appeared. After inviting them to sit down, he addressed the young +woman thus:—“My good woman, you are now a poor widow, and I +wished to see you, to tell you that I would be your friend. I will +take your children, if you will let me have them, and be a father to them, +and educate them; and, when old enough to work, will have them taught some +honest trade.” “Thank you, sir,” said she; +“but I don’t like to part with my children. The chaplain +at the prison offered to take my oldest, and to send her to London to be +taken care of; but I could not often see her there.” I replied, +“I commend you for not parting with her, unless you could +occasionally see her; for I suppose you love your children +dearly.” “Oh! yes, sir,” said the widow. The +old aunt also added, “Our people set great store by their +children.” “Well,” I replied, “I do not wish +you to determine on this business hastily; it is a weighty one. You +had better take a fortnight for consideration, and then give me a second +call.”</p> +<p>How improbable did it then appear that this interview would ultimately +lead to so much good to many of her people! When the fortnight +expired, the widow <!-- page 65--><a name="page65"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 65</span>and her aunt again appeared, when the following +conversation took place. “I am glad you are come again,” +said their friend. “Yes,” replied the widow, “and I +will now let you have my Betsy;” and the aunt immediately added, +pointing to one of her grand-children, “I will let you have my little +<i>deary</i>, if you will take care of her. Her father,” +continued she, “was condemned to die, but is transported for life, +and her mother now lives with another man.” The proposal was +readily accepted; and three days after, these two children were brought +washed very clean, and dressed in their best clothes. It was promised +the women, that they should see their children whenever they chose, and all +parties were pleased. The eldest of these children was six years of +age; the widow’s little daughter, only three. The first day +they amused themselves with running up and down stairs, and through the +rooms of the house. But when put to bed at night, they cried for two +hours, saying that the house would fall upon them. They had never +spent a day in a house before, and were at night like birds that had been +decoyed, and then robbed of their liberty. A few kisses and some +promises at length quieted them, and they went to sleep.</p> +<p>After remaining with the author three days, they were removed to one of +the Infants’ Schools, where they were often visited by the widow and +her aunt. Soon after this the eldest girl was taken ill. A +medical gentleman attended her at the tent, a little way from the town, +whither her grandmother had begged <!-- page 66--><a +name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 66</span>to remove her for +change of air. But the sickness of this child <i>was unto +death</i>. She was a lovely and affectionate girl, notwithstanding +the disadvantages under which she had necessarily laboured. When on +her bed, in the tent, suffering much pain, she was asked by a gentleman, +“Although you love Mr Crabb so much, would you rather live with him, +or die, and go to Jesus?” She answered, “I would rather +die and go to Jesus.” Her death very much affected her +grandmother. She would not leave the corpse, which she often +affectionately embraced, till persuaded she would endanger her own +life. This appeared a melancholy event to all who wished well to the +Gipsies in the neighbourhood of Southampton. For the widow, fearing +her child would become ill and die too, immediately removed her from the +school. And many of the Gipsy people treated the women with great +contempt, for giving up their children; and the prospects of doing them +lasting good, became very much beclouded. It was however represented +to them, that God was doing all things for the best, and their spirits were +soothed; and in consequence, the little fatherless girl was again brought +to the school.</p> +<p>After this event, the women remained a considerable time in the +neighbourhood, waiting to see if the little one, again given up to the +author, would be kindly treated. By this detention they were often +brought into the company of good people, whose kindness gained their +confidence. They began to listen to invitations to settle in the +town, and finally determined <!-- page 67--><a name="page67"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 67</span>on doing so. Even the <i>old</i> woman, +who had lived under hedges for fifty years, and who had declared but a +short time before, that she would not leave her tent for a palace, now +gladly occupied a house; this greatly encouraged their friends, who well +knew that it was not a small sacrifice, for a Gipsy to give up what is +thought by them to be their liberty.</p> +<p>A short time before these women removed from under the hedges, the +sister of the unhappy man who had been executed, came out of Dorsetshire +with her three children, on her way to Surry, where she had been accustomed +to go to hop-picking. Encamping under the same hedge with the widow +and her aunt, she was seen by the author in one of his visits to +them. He found them one evening about six o’clock at dinner, +and took his seat near them; and while they were regaling themselves with +broiled meat, potatoes, and tea, the following interesting conversation +took place.</p> +<p>“Sir,” said the widow, “this is my sister and her +children.” No one could have introduced this woman and her +little ones with more easy simplicity than she did, while, by the smile on +her swarthy countenance, she exhibited real heartfelt pleasure. +“I am glad to see you, my good woman;” said the author, +“are these your children?” “Yes, sir,” +replied she, very cheerfully. “And where are you +going?” “I am going into Surry, sir.” +“Have you not many difficulties to trouble you in your way of +life?” “Yes, sir,” answered she. The author +continued, “I wish you would let me have your children to provide for +and <!-- page 68--><a name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +68</span>educate.” “Not I, indeed,” she replied +sharply; “others may part with their children, if they like, but I +will never part with mine.” “Well, my good woman, the +offer to educate them has done no harm: let me hope it will do good. +I would have you recollect that you have now a proposal made you of +bettering their present and future condition. You and I must soon +meet at the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of this meeting; +and you know that I can do better for your little ones than you +can.” She was silent. The author then addressed these +people and left the tents.</p> +<p>The next day he visited the camp again, when the widow woman said, +“Sir, my sister was so <i>cut up</i> (putting her hand to her heart), +with what you said last night, that she could not eat any more, and +declared she felt as she never had done before; and she has determined to +come and live with us at Michaelmas.” What was still better, in +consequence of what was said to this poor stranger, she did not go to the +races, although she had stopped near Southampton for that purpose.</p> +<p>From this time endeavours were made to confirm the woman’s +intentions to stay at Southampton, and to place her children with the +other. She was asked, why she would not stay at Southampton +then? “Why, to tell you the truth,” said she, “for +it’s no use to tell a lie about that, I don’t want to bring my +children to you, like vagabonds; and as we shall earn a good <i>bit</i> of +money at hopping, I shall buy them some clothes; <!-- page 69--><a +name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 69</span>and then, if you will +take me a room at Michaelmas, I will surely return and live in Southampton, +and my children shall go to school; but I will never give them up +entirely.” She continued with her sister till the house which +had been taken for the latter was ready; during which time a gentleman from +Ireland, then living near the encampment, had her children every day to his +house, and taught them to read. The remembrance of him will be +precious to them for ever. She came on the day appointed, and her +children were put to the Infants’ School, where they have continued +ever since, clean and respectable, and very diligent in their +learning. They often explain the Scriptures to their mother. +One of them has long been a monitor in the school. May she continue a +credit to the institution in which she has been so far educated.</p> +<p>Although the mother of these children is not yet decidedly pious, she is +very much improved. She is now able to read her Testament with +tolerable ease, takes great pleasure in receiving instruction, and we hope +is deeply impressed with the importance of personal religion. She +attends public worship diligently, and loves Christians, whom she once +hated. She weeps with abhorrence over past crimes, and says she would +rather have her hands cut off, than do as she has done. For more than +twelve months after living at Southampton, she continued occasionally to +tell fortunes for the gain it brought her. But a remarkable dream led +her to see the wickedness of this practice; for it so terrified <!-- page +70--><a name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 70</span>her that she +rose from her bed, lighted a fire, and burnt the book in which she had +pretended to see the fortune of others. Large sums of money had been +offered her for this volume; but, though in extreme poverty, she determined +to make any sacrifice, rather than enrich herself by its sale. She +dreamed that she was at the adult school, where she regularly attended, +and, that while she was reading her Testament, it changed into a book of +divination, and she began to tell the fortune of the lady who was teaching +her; and while thus employed, she thought she heard awful thunderings, and +the sound of trumpets; after which a tremendous tempest ensued, during +which she fancied herself in an extensive plain, exposed to all the fury of +the storm. She then thought the day of judgment was come, and that +she was summoned to render up her account. She awoke in great terror, +and as soon as she had a little recovered herself, arose and followed the +example of those we read of in the Acts of the Apostles:—<i>And many +of them which also used curious arts</i>, <i>brought their books +together</i>, <i>and burned them before all men</i>; <i>and they counted +the price of them</i>, <i>and found fifty thousand pieces silver</i>. +Acts xix. 19.</p> +<p>When relating this dream to a lady, she was asked whether she had +formerly been in the habit of seeking by any means, the aid of the devil, +in order to know future events; it having been asserted that many of the +Gipsies had done so. She informed the lady that she never had done +so, and that she thought none of <!-- page 71--><a name="page71"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 71</span>her people had any thing to do with him, +otherwise than by giving themselves up to do wickedly. The devil +tempted them to do still worse; as those who neglect to seek to God for +help, must of course be under the power of the wicked one.</p> +<h2><!-- page 72--><a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +72</span>CHAP. VIII. Of the plans pursued by the Southampton +Committee, and the success which has attended them, continued.</h2> +<p>Sixteen reformed Gipsies are now living at Southampton, one of whom is +the aged Gipsy whose history has been published by a lady. <a +name="citation72"></a><a href="#footnote72" class="citation">[72]</a> +There are also her brother and four of his children, her sister, who has +been a wanderer for more than fifty years, and her daughter, three orphans, +and a boy who has been given up to the Committee by his mother, a woman and +her three children, and the young woman before mentioned, who has, since +her reformation, lost her two children by the measles.</p> +<p>In addition to those who have retired from a wandering life, and are +pursuing habits of honest industry, three other families, whose united +number is sixteen, begged the privilege of wintering with us in the +beginning of 1831. These Gipsies regularly attended divine service +twice on a Sunday, and on the work-day evenings the adults went to school +to learn to read. The children were placed at one of the +Infants’ Schools. The prospects of doing one of the families +lasting good, <!-- page 73--><a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +73</span>are rather dark, as they are grown old and hardened in crime; but +the condition of the others is more encouraging. The children, who +would gladly have stayed longer with us, were sickly; and it is +apprehended, had not this been the case, the parents would have continued +longer, that they might have gone to school. Two women, mother and +daughter, in one family, are much interested in the worship of God, and +already begin to feel the value of their souls; and both regret that they +are under the necessity of submitting to the arbitrary will of the +father. One of them declared that she could never more act as a +Gipsy, and with weeping eyes she said, that, she feared she never should be +pardoned, or saved. When directed to go to Jesus, she replied, she +knew not how to go to him. In three days they will leave us, and it +will be a painful separation. It was very gratifying to the author to +see so many Gipsies attend the house of God, and he frequently recollected +with pleasure, that promise of holy Scripture, <i>For as the rain cometh +down</i>, <i>and the snow from heaven</i>, <i>and returneth not +thither</i>, <i>but watereth the earth</i>, <i>and maketh it bring forth +and bud</i>, <i>that it may give seed to the sower</i>, <i>and bread to the +eater</i>: <i>so shall my word be that goeth forth of my mouth</i>: <i>it +shall not return unto me void</i>, <i>but it shall accomplish that which I +please</i>, <i>and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send +it</i>. <i>For ye shall go out with joy</i>, <i>and be led forth with +peace</i>; <i>the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into +singing</i>, <i>and all the trees of the field shall clap their +hands</i>. <i>Instead of the thorn shall come up the </i><!-- page +74--><a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 74</span><i>fur +tree</i>, <i>and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree</i>: +<i>and it stall be to the Lord for a name</i>, <i>for an everlasting sign +that shall not be cut off</i>.</p> +<p>Six of the children are at an Infants’ School at Southampton, and +three others attend a charity school; and another is learning to be a coach +wheelwright. This youth has behaved so well in his situation, that he +has been advanced by his master to a higher branch in the business. +His fellow-workmen, who at first disliked him for being a Gipsy, have +subscribed money to assist him in the purchase of additional tools, to +which the foreman added five shillings, and the master <i>one +pound</i>. This is a most encouraging circumstance.</p> +<p>The aged man who has been so many years reformed, is a basket +maker. He often visits his brethren in their tents, under the +direction of the Committee, to give advice and instruction. His +sister, lately reclaimed, takes care of the six Gipsy children, and is +become very serious and industrious; and though in the decline of life, she +receives but one shilling per week from the Committee. Two instances +of the gratitude of this woman ought not to be omitted.</p> +<p>The author’s horse having strayed from the field, a sovereign was +offered to any one who would bring it back to him. Several persons +sought for it in vain. This old Gipsy woman was sent in quest of it, +and in two days returned with the horse. Of course she was offered +the sovereign that had been named as a reward; but she refused to take it, +saying, she owed the author more than that; yea, all that she had, for the +comfort <!-- page 75--><a name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +75</span>she was then enjoying. This was the language of an honest +and grateful heart. On being compelled to take it, she bought herself +some garments for the winter.</p> +<p>On another occasion, when she was coming from some place which she had +visited, and was detained on the road longer than she had expected, she +became penniless; yet would she not beg, lest it might be looked on as one +step towards turning back to habits she had entirely abandoned. She +assured the author that she would rather have starved than return to her +old trade of begging; and besides, added she, “the people know that I +am one of your reformed Gipsies, and I will never bring a reproach upon my +best friends.”</p> +<p>The young widow was taught to make shoes; but becoming depressed in +spirits after the death of her children, she has been placed in +service. And another young Gipsy woman has also obtained a situation +as a servant.</p> +<p>But while the Committee has had to rejoice over the success that has +attended its efforts, it has also experienced great and manifold +disappointments. But its members are not discouraged, and it is hoped +they never will be.</p> +<p>One young woman stayed with the Committee a month, and then ran +away. She was lamentably ignorant, and could never be brought to +work. <a name="citation75"></a><a href="#footnote75" +class="citation">[75]</a> Another <!-- page 76--><a +name="page76"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 76</span>very promising in +temper and habits, stayed in a family three months, and then left them to +live again with her parents, who encouraged her to believe that she would +be married to one of her clan. It may be hoped the knowledge she +gained while in service may be useful to her at some future time. She +is not, cannot be happy, and is sorry that she left her service and her +friends. The father and mother have promised to stay in Southampton +through the next winter, which they will be encouraged to do, with the hope +of gaining instruction in the truths of religion.</p> +<p>A woman, her four sons, and their grandmother, <a +name="citation76"></a><a href="#footnote76" class="citation">[76]</a> +joined the family of reformed Gipsies for a short time, and we had +considerable hopes of them all, the two eldest boys excepted, who refused +to work, and who grew much more vicious than when under the hedges. +Their father had formerly been sentenced to death, but by the interest of a +friend, the sentence was changed to fourteen years’ hard labour on +board the hulks at Portsmouth, nearly nine of which had expired at the time +his family came under the direction of the Committee. His wife +intimating that if they were to apply for his release, it might be granted, +and that then he might govern the boys, and make them work, his liberty was +obtained. But within three days afterwards, <!-- page 77--><a +name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 77</span>he declared he would +not constrain any of his children to labour; they might do it or not, as +they pleased. And, in the course of the week, he took them all away +and went to Brighton.</p> +<p>A lady then staying at that place, and who had known this family at +Southampton, sent to the place where the Gipsies usually encamp, hoping to +recall some of them to a sense of their duty, but was informed that the +whole of the party had set off a few days before. Early on the +following morning, a Gipsy called at the house of this lady, and offered to +tell the fortunes of the servants. She was asked if she knew the +woman who was enquired for the preceding day? She replied, that +<i>she was the very person</i>. On hearing by whose servant she was +addressed, she became almost speechless with shame, and said, <i>I would +rather have met the king</i>. On recovering, she expressed great +delight and gratitude that she was not forgotten by the lady, and declared +she had been very unhappy since she had left Southampton, and that the sin +of fortune-telling greatly distressed her mind; but that she knew not how +to support her family without it. They had undergone many +hardships. The little boys, she said, had frequently amused +themselves with trying to spell the different things about their tent, and +were often wishing for their Southampton fire. The next morning she +brought them to see their kind benefactress. The youngest of them, a +fine promising boy, both as to talent and disposition, was overjoyed at the +meeting; his little eyes were filled with tears, and he could <!-- page +78--><a name="page78"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 78</span>scarcely +speak. He and his brother were immediately provided with clothing, +and sent to the School of Industry; where, in addition to the religious +instruction given them, they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, +digging, &c. Their master has been much pleased with their +progress. The mother was afterwards induced to stay at Brighton, +being allowed a small sum weekly. She has been taught to read by some +kind friends, and many hopes are entertained of her conversion to +God. A letter has lately been received, which gives a very +interesting account of her increase in knowledge and improvement in +morals.</p> +<p>A very promising Gipsy youth, who was placed with a coach-maker in +Southampton, after working some time, cut his hand, and then relinquished +his employment, to wander with his father, who is a rat-catcher. But +it is hoped that he, as well as others of his brethren who have returned to +their former courses, will be brought back, or find some other desirable +and permanent abode; that what has been done by this society may not +ultimately be lost. Indeed, while writing this, I am happy to be able +to state, that the morals of this young man appear very correct, and that +he has, by constant application, learned to read tolerably well since he +left Southampton. He supports himself by selling brushes, lines, and +corks, but talks very seriously of giving up his wandering habits to return +to us again.</p> +<p>Among the reclaimed Gipsies are three women who were notorious +fortune-tellers, and who doubtless have <!-- page 79--><a +name="page79"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 79</span>done much injury to the +morals of society. They are now very promising; and there is a fair +prospect of their children being saved from much sin and misery, as they +are placed at Infants’ Schools, where they are gradually acquiring +useful scriptural knowledge, and correctness of habits; in which, if they +persevere, by the grace of the Redeemer, their present and everlasting +welfare will be secured. Such examples of success amply repay the +Committee for the trouble and expense already bestowed on the Gipsies; and +it is hoped its members will be stimulated to every exertion in their power +by the good done to those in a state of reformation and improvement, that +the whole wandering race may be led into the right way.</p> +<h2><!-- page 80--><a name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +80</span>CHAP. IX. Of the plans pursued by the Southampton Committee, +and the success which has attended them, continued.</h2> +<p>A gipsy woman, of whose reformation we have already taken some notice, +having gone to solicit the assistance of the parish to which one of her +children belonged, met with many difficulties and troubles. She was +not at this time destitute of the knowledge of religion. She had +learned to read, and had become acquainted with the Scriptures, at an adult +school, and by attending at a place of worship; and these instructions were +not thrown away on her; for although she was frequently invited to eat and +drink in the tents of the Gipsies on her journey, she conscientiously +refused, fearing that what they were partaking of might not be honestly +obtained. She informed them that her Testament had taught her better +habits than those she had formerly known. Her children helped to keep +alive her religious impressions. They often talked to her about the +school from which she had taken them, of their lessons, and the +observations of the master and mistress, on different parts of the +Scriptures, and at other times they catechised each other on the objects +that presented themselves on the road, in the same way they had been used +to in the Infants’ Schools; to <!-- page 81--><a +name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 81</span>which they often begged +their mother to let them return. These circumstances, she has since +said, made her so miserable that she felt she <i>could not live as she had +done</i>.</p> +<p>Some time after this, she made a visit to a parish in which another of +her children was born, near Basingstoke. She entered the cottage of +an old couple who sold fruit, &c. Tea being proposed, the old +woman expressed her surprise that she had not seen her visitor for so long +a time, saying she was glad she was come, as she wanted her to tell her +many things, meaning future events. She mentioned a great deal that +another Gipsy woman had told her, on which the reformed one +exclaimed—<i>Don’t believe her</i>, <i>dame</i>. <i>It is +all lies</i>. <i>She knows no more about it than you do</i>. +<i>If you trust to what she says</i>, <i>you will be deceived</i>. +The old woman was still more surprised, and asked <i>how she</i>, who had +so often told their fortunes, and had promised them such good luck, could +be so much altered? The woman taking her Testament from her bosom, +replied, “I have learned from this blessed book, and from my kind +friends, <i>that all liars shall have their portion in the lake that +burneth with brimstone and fire</i>; and rather than tell fortunes again, I +would starve.” She then opened her book and began reading a +chapter, endeavouring to explain as she read, at which her host and hostess +began to weep. She told them that though she knew she had been a +great sinner, and was one still, yet she never had felt so happy as +then. The old woman observed, that <i>she</i> could not <!-- page +82--><a name="page82"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 82</span>say <i>she was +happy</i>, and wished to know what she must do to feel happy. The +Gipsy replied, you must leave off selling on Sundays, and go to a place of +worship, and learn to read the Testament, and to pray, and <i>then</i> you +will become happy.</p> +<p>This poor Gipsy woman, who was so anxious to instruct those she had many +times deceived, was soon after taken sick, at which time her distress of +soul was very great; and she then said, were she to die, her <i>soul could +not go to heaven</i>.</p> +<p>Many were her temptations, while in great poverty, to renew the practice +of fortune-telling. Several genteel parties have visited her, and +sometimes offered her gold, tempting her to begin again the sins she had +for ever given up; but, much to her credit, she at all times resolutely +refused all such unholy gain.</p> +<p>At one time some very gay young women called on her, desiring to have +their fortunes told. Her Testament lay on the table, which she had +but a short time before been reading, and pointing to it, she +said—<i>That book</i>, <i>and that only</i>, <i>will tell your +fortunes</i>; <i>for it is God’s book</i>; <i>it is his own +word</i>. She reproved them for their sin, and said, the Bible had +told her, <i>all unrighteousness is sin</i>. They then requested she +would not tell any one that they had called upon her. She +replied—<i>Oh</i>! <i>you fear man more than God</i>!</p> +<p>A few days since, this reformed woman was sweeping the pavement in front +of her house, when two female servants came up, enquiring for the house of +the fortune-teller; mourning over them for their folly, <!-- page 83--><a +name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 83</span>she said—<i>My +dears</i>, <i>she cannot tell your fortunes</i>. <i>I have been a +professed fortune-teller</i>, <i>and have deceived hundreds</i>. She +succeeded in persuading them to go home.</p> +<p>At a meeting of Gipsies held at a gentleman’s house, Jan. 1830, +the youngest child of this woman said to her mother, <i>Mammy</i>, <i>who +be all these folks</i>? The mother replied, <i>They are +Gipsies</i>. <i>Was</i> I <i>ever like ’em</i>? asked the +child. <i>Yes</i>, said the mother, <i>you was once a poor little +Gipsy without stockings and shoes</i>, <i>and glad to beg a halfpenny of +any body</i>. It is a circumstance not to be lamented, that the +condition even of a little child, has been so much bettered by the +exertions of the Committee.</p> +<p>In addition to the encouragement afforded us by this woman, giving up +with so much decision the practice of fortune-telling, the author must not +forget to mention an instance of her forbearance of temper under +provocation and outrage. She had, when a vagrant, a quarrel with some +of her ignorant people of another tribe. Meeting with them after her +reformation, she was severely beaten by them, and had her ear-drops torn +from her ears, while they contemptuously called her <i>Methodist</i>. +When asked, why she did not bring her persecutors to justice, she replied, +<i>How can I be forgiven</i>, <i>if I do not forgive</i>? <i>That is +what my Testament tells me</i>.</p> +<p>The young widow we have before mentioned, continued to tell fortunes for +some time after we had taken her children; but it pleased the Holy Spirit +to awaken <!-- page 84--><a name="page84"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +84</span>her conscience, and to shew her the wickedness of such crimes, by +which she was led to true repentance and reformation of character.</p> +<p>After the death of both the children of this interesting individual, she +went into the service of a kind and pious lady in London. For this +situation she was prepared by one of equal benevolence in Southampton, who +had her for some time in her own house for that purpose. She +continued in this situation till the lady’s death, and has since been +in other service, where she has conducted herself so well as to prove she +is become a sincere servant of Christ.</p> +<h2><!-- page 85--><a name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +85</span>CHAP. X. Some Remarks on the Sin of Fortune-telling.</h2> +<p>The author will be pardoned, he is willing to hope, by the kind reader, +if he digress in one or two paragraphs in this part of his work, purposely +to expose the great wickedness of prognostication and fortune-telling; as +the whole is not only unsound, foolish, absurd and false, but is most +peremptorily forbidden in the Scriptures.</p> +<p>In the law of Moses it is commanded, that there should not be found +among the people, any that used divination, or that was an observer of the +times, or that was an enchanter: Deut. xiii. 10. In the prophecies of +Malachi, the Lord has declared—<i>Thou shalt have no more +soothsayers</i>: Mal. v. 12. Balaam and Balak were cursed of the Lord +of Hosts; the former for using enchantments, and the latter for employing +Balaam in this wicked work. <i>Woe to them that devise iniquity</i>: +Micah, ii. 1. Those who employ unhappy Gipsy women, should think on +the portion of the liar; Rev. xxi. 8: for the person who tempts another to +utter falsehood by offering rewards, is equally guilty before God. +<i>A companion of fools shall be destroyed</i>: Prov. <!-- page 86--><a +name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 86</span>xiii. 20. +<i>Though hand join in hand</i>, in sin, <i>the wicked shall not go +unpunished</i>: Prov. xvi. 5. <i>The destruction of the transgressors +and the sinners shall be together</i>: Isai. i. 28. It may be safely +affirmed that the sin of those persons, who trifle with Gipsy women in +having their fortunes told by them, nearly resembles that of the first king +of Israel; who, by consulting, in his trouble, a wicked woman, who +pretended to supernatural power, filled up the measure of those sins, by +which he lost the protection of heaven, his crown, and his life, and by +which he involved his family in the most ruinous calamity.</p> +<p>Reader, have you encouraged any of these people in such crimes? If +you have so far forgotten yourselves, the commands of God, and the curse +that awaits you and those who deceive themselves the same way; reflect, +before it be too late, on the evil into which you have willingly, wilfully, +and without the least reasonable excuse, fallen, and on the guilt that must +of necessity attach to your consciences thereby. Should you never +meet those you encouraged to sin in this world, and therefore never have an +opportunity of warning them of their danger, yet must you meet at the bar +of Christ; and if then loaded with the weight of the sin in question, how +awful will be your condition! Yourself and a fellow creature turned +out for ever from God, and heaven, and hope! You may find mercy +<i>now</i>, if you, by faith in the Redeemer, <i>seek for it</i>; and who +can tell but if you sincerely pray for those <!-- page 87--><a +name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 87</span>you led into sin, but +that the mercy of which you part take, may find out them! May it even +be so, to your everlasting comfort!</p> +<p>Some have supposed that this contemptible practice was first introduced +into Europe by the Gipsies: but such persons are greatly mistaken. In +the dark ages of superstition, in which this wandering people came to our +part of the world, prognostication and fortune-telling were carried on to +an infinite extent; and so enraged were the deceivers of those days against +the Gipsies, that they proclaimed they knew nothing of the <i>art</i>; that +they were deceivers and impostors.</p> +<p>It were well if the Gipsies were <i>now</i> the only persons addicted to +such wickedness; but this is not the case; for it is well known that almost +every town is cursed with an astrological, magical, or slight-of-hand +fortune-teller. There are two now in Southampton; and their wretched +abodes are visited not only by vain and ignorant servants, but often by +those who belong to the higher circles, and not unfrequently by those who +drive their carriages.</p> +<p>To conclude this chapter, it may be safely said, that the sort of +wickedness in question, is not only forbidden in the Scriptures, and will +add much to the guilt of an impenitent death; but that it is calculated to +give us the most airy anticipations, or oppress us with the most +unreasonable despair. <i>Sufficient unto the day is the evil +thereof</i>; why should we then afflict ourselves about ill-fortune in +future years? If we <i>seek</i>, as the <!-- page 88--><a +name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 88</span>first great object of +life, <i>the kingdom of heaven</i>, <i>all </i>[necessary] <i>things shall +be added</i>. And why should we deceive ourselves with gay and +splendid expectations? <i>Riches make themselves wings and soon fly +away</i>.</p> +<h2><!-- page 89--><a name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +89</span>CHAP. XI. Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent for +promoting a Reformation among the Gipsies.</h2> +<p>As no event happens without a cause, so no good is accomplished without +means. It is in the power of man as an instrument, frequently to make +his fellow-creatures either happy or miserable. And it may safely be +asserted, that much of the ignorance, depravity, and consequent misery +found in the world, are occasioned by the want of a united and persevering +application of the energies of Christians, to the reformation of the most +debased classes of Society. This backwardness to perform that which +is good, with respect to our fellow men, must be accounted for, by the want +of faith in God’s word, and the little influence we allow the +religion of the Saviour to have on our own hearts. It may also be +occasioned by the strong evidences we have of the corruption of human +nature, and the little good we see attend the labours of others: and we are +often likewise discouraged because our own efforts fail. On these +accounts, how often do we sigh for opportunities of doing good, whilst we +neglect the openings of Providence in little things, which would frequently +lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness. Dr Johnson +used to say, <!-- page 90--><a name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +90</span>“He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never +do any.” Good is done by degrees. However small in +proportion the benefit which follows <i>individual attempts</i> to do good, +a great deal may thus be accomplished by perseverance, even in the midst of +discouragements and disappointments. The first missionaries who +visited England, had to contend with all the frightful cruelties of savage +life, and the more horrid rites of Druidical worship. But now, though +much wickedness abounds in England, it is, in a religious point of view, +the paradise of the earth. May all those who wish to diffuse the +genuine influences of Christianity among the poor Gipsies, imitate the +example of the adorable Saviour, who <i>made himself of no reputation</i>, +that he might enlighten the most ignorant, and impart happiness to the most +miserable.</p> +<p>It will not be denied that the Gipsies are capable of feeling the +influence, and appreciating the worth of the Gospel: and no one will doubt +that the earlier the plans are adopted for their improvement, the sooner +will this desirable work be accomplished.</p> +<p>The reader is requested to pay particular attention to the following +suggestions.</p> +<p>The establishment of an Institution to supply instruction to the Gipsies +by regular Ministers, or Missionaries, would be of but little use. +Indeed such a measure could scarcely be carried into effect. For the +Gipsies, beside associating in very small companies, are perpetually driven +from place to place. To supply them, therefore, with regular +instruction, a preacher <!-- page 91--><a name="page91"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 91</span>would be necessary to every family; who would +condescend to their mode of life, travel when they travelled, rest when +they rested, and be content with the ground and straw for his bed, and a +blanket tent for his covering! All this would subject them to great +personal inconvenience, and at the same time be very expensive and highly +improper. Neither would it be possible for ministers to be appointed +occasionally and alternately to visit the Gipsies in different +counties. For it might often happen that, before intelligence could +be forwarded to those appointed to give them instruction, they might be +removed by a peace officer, or have set out on a journey of several miles +distance. Benevolent, zealous, and prudent persons may do much by +visiting the camps near towns; and the most suitable parts of the day for +promoting this object, are morning and evening. But the most simple +and easy plans of instruction should invariably be adopted.</p> +<p>To those persons who are afraid of visiting the Gipsies, lest they +should be insulted, abused, and robbed, the author may be allowed to say +that they have not the least grounds for such fears. In Scotland this +fear is quite as general among the religious people as it is in England; +and in that country the inhabitants are even afraid to prosecute them for +their depredations and crimes. In England ladies are frequently known +to visit their camps singly, when more than a mile from towns, and to sit +and read and converse with them for a considerable time, with the greatest +confidence and safety.</p> +<p><!-- page 92--><a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +92</span>There is not the least prospect of doing them good, by forcing +instruction upon them. About the year 1748, the Empress Theresa +attempted the improvement of the Gipsies in Germany, by taking away, by +force, all their children of a certain age, in order to educate and protect +them; but such an unnatural and arbitrary mode of benevolence, defeated its +own object; and this is not to be wondered at: the souls of the free resist +every effort of compulsion, whether the object be good or bad. +Compulsatory instruction, therefore, would do no good among the +Gipsies. But they are easily won by kindness, and whoever wishes +really to benefit them, must convince them that this is his intention, by +patiently bearing with the unpleasing parts of their characters, and by a +willingness to lessen their distresses so far as it is in his power. +Such kindness will never be lost upon them. Nor would the author +recommend their being encouraged to live in Towns, except they are truly +desirous of leading a new life, as it is almost certain that their morals +would be greatly corrupted thereby: and they would be capable of more +extensive injury to society, should they take to their wandering habits +again.</p> +<p>A correspondent of a friend of the author, has just communicated the +following particulars, which prove the truth of the above remarks.</p> +<p>There is in the neighbourhood of Harz, at Nordausen, a colony of +Gipsies, to whom a Missionary has been sent from Berlin. His last +letter speaks very favourably of their disposition to receive the word of +<!-- page 93--><a name="page93"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +93</span>life. The manner of his introduction to them was by no means +likely to ensure him a favourable reception. “Here,” said +the person who brought him among them, “you have a Missionary, who is +come to convert you; now mind and be converted, or you shall go to +prison.” The effect this foolish speech produced on the Gipsies +may be easily imagined, and likewise how useless it rendered the situation +of the Missionary who desired to labour among them. They took to +flight whenever they saw him approach, and thus, humanly speaking, there +appeared not the least prospect of success, as the seed of the word could +not so much as be sown. But <span class="smcap">He</span>, who alone +is able to turn the heart, mercifully looked upon the work, and directed +him to the right means effectually to bring it about.</p> +<p>The Gipsies were obliged to cultivate the land on which they were +permitted to reside; but being quite ignorant of agriculture, they were at +a loss how to proceed. The missionary undertook himself to give them +advice and assistance in the work. Seeing the success that attended +his labours, they began to be much more diligent in the cultivation of +their grounds, while their confidence daily increased in their missionary, +and they became more accessible and willing to be taught. At last +they asked him for what reason the people at Berlin had sent him among +them? and when he told them, they were overpowered with gratitude, and +melted into tears. Their attachment to him and the friends who had +sent him, became stronger and stronger. In some cases, it may be +true, the conquest of their <!-- page 94--><a name="page94"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 94</span>prejudices against the missionary, might +proceed from the advantages they reaped by attending to his advice; and +this is much to their credit, and is a most desirable improvement. It +is hoped they will soon be led to attend sincerely to his religious +instructions.</p> +<p>A gentleman resident in one of the towns of Hampshire, was agreeably +surprised one sabbath morning, by seeing a number of Gipsies at public +worship; and on being induced to converse with them, was pleased to find +that they regularly attended divine service at Southampton, and other +places. He directed them to move their tents into a more commodious +situation in one of his own fields. This unusual act of kindness, +which however required no great sacrifice on his part, made so deep an +impression on the hearts of this people, as is not likely to be forgotten: +they will speak of his kindness as long as they live. This, as well +as the instances we have mentioned already in this work, and many more +which we may not notice, shew that we are not without opportunities of +observing their gratitude for those favours that have been bestowed upon +them.</p> +<p>They receive with willingness one of their own people, who is now a +reformed and pious character, living at Southampton, and whom we have named +in a former page. They now rejoice, too, in the assurance that a +great number of good Christians pity and love them, and are seeking to +promote their present and everlasting happiness.</p> +<p>It is therefore much to be wished, that committees of <!-- page 95--><a +name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 95</span>ladies or gentlemen +were formed in every town in the kingdom, and their attention directed to +this neglected class of British subjects. An active person might be +found in every place, to act under the sanction of such committees, who +should visit their tents, instruct them in the Scriptures, and pray with +and for them (the latter he should never neglect) by which means he would +gain their confidence, and would always be looked on as a friend. +Such a person should not be ashamed to speak kindly to them when he meets +them in the street, or on the road. Indeed at all times he should +converse with them plainly and affectionately about the great love of the +Redeemer, in coming into this our world, to suffer and die for guilty +sinners, of whom they make a number. But all the labour should not be +confined to one person. Every member of these committees should be +alive to this good work; as also all Christians, and especially +ministers.</p> +<p>But should there not be sufficient energy and benevolence in all towns +to form a committee, two or three who are well disposed to the object, may +unite together and accomplish a great deal. And should there not be +found more than one person thus benevolently disposed, let not that one be +discouraged. The single talent must not be neglected, should it be +only the power to give a cup of cold water, or to speak one word about the +water of life to a necessitous and perishing Gipsy; for it may not, cannot +be in vain. Reader, are you doing what you can in this humble +way? It may be, you would rather ascend the pulpit and preach <!-- +page 96--><a name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 96</span>to +well-informed Christians, or visit the ignorant in your own town! +This is well; but the other should not be left undone. The wanderers +in the wilderness are not to be forgotten; the outcasts of society are to +be sought after. Let us imitate our adorable Redeemer, <i>who went +about doing good</i>, and who sought those who were not the least desirous +of finding him. As an encouragement to British Christians, who are +alive to the happiness of the Gipsies, they should know that there are many +among them desirous of a new mode of life, as will appear by an application +lately made to the author.</p> +<blockquote> +<p style="text-align: right">“<i>Bristol</i>, <i>Oct.</i> +11<i>th</i>, 1830.</p> +<p>“My dear Sir,</p> +<p>“I am unwilling to let a parcel go to Southampton, without sending +you a line to give you a little information respecting H---, of whom I made +enquiry if she had called on the friends to whom I directed her? This +was done by her; but she could obtain no employment. Both H--- and +her husband conduct themselves in a very satisfactory manner. A young +lady, I hope, will employ her soon; and, perhaps, in time she may get into +regular work; but at present, she gets very little, and it is very +necessary that the man should have employment. The cork trade is now +over; (he used to sell corks.) They can have the loan of a donkey for +two months for nothing, and that being the case, I told H--- to look out +for a small cart, which I desired her to hire for a week, and sell coals +<!-- page 97--><a name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 97</span>and +potatoes in small quantities. <a name="citation97"></a><a +href="#footnote97" class="citation">[97]</a> I have felt fearful lest +you should think me too busy; but necessity has compelled me to do +something, or they must have almost <i>starved</i>; and I cannot bear the +thought of their wanting bread; knowing it must be a great temptation for +them to return to their old habits. The man appears much altered for +the better. He said one day, when they wanted food, that he would +rather beg than oblige his wife to return to fortune-telling. H--- +tells me that her husband and she live happily, and that they have had +words but once since they left their vagrant life. I am also happy to +discover in her pleasing evidences of honesty, as she pays her weekly rent +often before it is due, when she has money, fearing that she may spend it +in food. Job, their son, has no work, but I hope that he will be able +to help his father. Do, my dear Mr Crabb, pray for this little branch +of your family. I have received two pounds for your Infants’ +Schools, from Mr ---, and would send it now, but I have been obliged to +expend a considerable part of it on these poor Gipsies. Do write to +me when you can, and give me advice respecting this poor family.”</p> +<p>The author must remark that, since the above letter was received, others +also have been sent from two <!-- page 98--><a name="page98"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 98</span>ladies in that neighbourhood, which give the +Southampton committee great pleasure. The following are extracts.</p> +<p>“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, <i>dear me</i>! <i> I never heard +the like of that before</i>! <i>now it seems good for me to know +this</i>. 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! <i>do talk</i> 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 <i>their own</i> at <!-- page 99--><a +name="page99"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 99</span>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.”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>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.</p> +<blockquote> +<p style="text-align: right">“<i>Yetholm Hall</i>, <i>Dec.</i> +11<i>th</i>, 1830.</p> +<p>“My dear Sir,</p> +<p>“Through the report of the Society for ameliorating the condition +of that unfortunate race, the Gipsies, I am acquainted with your name, and +with your benevolent exertions in their behalf. As the minister of a +parish in which perhaps the largest colony of this people in Scotland +reside, and naturally, therefore, very <!-- page 100--><a +name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 100</span>much interested in +any plan that promises to improve their condition, I take the liberty of +writing you; not so much for the purpose of answering the numerous queries +subjoined to the report, as of requesting your advice and opinion, with +regard to what plan might be adopted for the improvement of the colony, +placed, in some degree, under my care and superintendence. I have but +lately been called to the ministerial office, and appointed to the pastoral +care of this parish; and previous to the period of my appointment, I had no +opportunity of being acquainted with the character and habits of the +Gipsies. Your longer acquaintance with this people, and experience, +may suggest to me some useful hints on the subject, should you take the +trouble to notice this letter. The number of Gipsies in the parish of +Yetholm is about 100. You are no doubt already in some degree +acquainted with the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, from the interesting notices +furnished by Mr Smith, of Kelso, and published in <span +class="smcap">Hoyland’s Survey</span>, and in one of the earliest +numbers of Blackwood’s Magazine. And his account of them is +substantially correct to this day. It would appear that the Gipsy +population of this place is fluctuating. In 1798, there were only +59. In 1818, when Mr Smith wrote, there were 109. In 1830, +there are 100. And in a few years more, this number may be +considerably diminished or increased. The greater part of them are +“muggers,” or “potters,” who carry earthen-ware +about the country for sale. There are two horn spoon makers; all the +others are abroad from their head <!-- page 101--><a +name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 101</span>quarters, of Kirk +Yetholm, from eight to nine months in the year. The history of some +of the individuals and families of the clan, would furnish something very +interesting. One of the family of the Taa’s is still +denominated the “King.” The number of children belonging +to each family is generally large. There may be thirty children under +twelve years of age. The parents express themselves very anxious that +their children should be educated, and are willing, for this purpose, to +leave them at home all the summer; and farther, that they should be trained +to some occupation different from their own. Many of the parents +declare, that they would willingly remain at home, could they be supplied +with constant employment. Of late, the greater number of them have +occasionally attended church, and some of them continue to attend most +regularly when at home. A considerable number of the younger children +also, when at home, attend our Sabbath School. I have likewise +assisted the parents to send most of their children to the Day School: +still, however, these children are at home scarcely three months in the +depth of winter. Several families have not returned yet. Their +education, therefore, even were they sent regularly to school, during this +time, would be very limited. And besides, by attending the parents to +the country, they contract an attachment to their loose, wandering life, +which must tend to perpetuate the peculiarities of the tribe. A few +weeks ago I was requested by Dr Baird, the Principal of the University, and +one of the ministers of Edinburgh, to write <!-- page 102--><a +name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 102</span>out a pretty full +account of these my parishioners. This I have done. The +account, however, was written so hastily, that I had not time even to +correspond with you on the subject, before doing so, as my object in +writing to you was chiefly to propose some plan which might be adopted for +their improvement, on which you might give me some useful +information. In this account, I have proposed that a fund or +subscription should be raised for the purpose of keeping the children at +home during those months their parents are traversing the country, for +paying their school wages, and, if possible, for giving a salary to a +teacher to superintend their education, and that a small additional sum be +occasionally in readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys. +This account may probably be published. I am in hopes, also, that the +Principal will interest himself in the cause. Should the account be +published, the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case +I should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an +opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan proposed, +from your kind communication. The sum which I conceived would be +required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per annum. Mr +B---, of Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the pleasure of being +acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a correspondence with you +on this subject. He also is interested in the cause, and promises to +use his influence with others. I think he told me that some more +detailed account of your plan was <!-- page 103--><a +name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 103</span>published, or +preparing for the press, in which various alterations and improvements had +been made. This was an additional reason for my wishing to hear from +you, before submitting to the people of Scotland any plan on the +subject. I should wish to know how the cause prospers with you, and +what number you have at present under your care. I am extremely +interested for this unfortunate people, and any information therefore with +regard to what is doing elsewhere, would be acceptable. May He +prosper the cause, whose blessing alone can render our labours +effectual!</p> +<p>I remain, my dear Sir,</p> +<p style="text-align: right">With much respect and esteem,<br /> +Yours truly,<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Baird</span>.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>“P. S.—I have just received a letter from Principal Baird, +informing me that my account of the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, will be +published, and a proof for correction be sent to me shortly. It will +be published in a new statistical account of Scotland, which will ensure +for it a very extensive circulation, especially among the ministers of the +established church of Scotland.”</p> +<p>Another letter relating to the Gipsies of Yetholm, has been received +from the same clergyman, extracts of which may be seen in the Appendix.</p> +<h2><!-- page 104--><a name="page104"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +104</span>CHAP. XII. Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent, for +promoting a Reformation among the Gipsies, continued.</h2> +<p>It is usual, in Southampton, for a few pence to be given to a child who +informs any of the members of the Committee when a family of Gipsies begin +to erect their tents on the common, that they may immediately be visited by +our Reader. This may be done elsewhere. It may be well, too, to +buy a basket, or any other article they may honestly have to dispose of, +when opportunity offers; but it is not well to bestow money on them, unless +in sickness or want. When their wives are confined, a favourable +opportunity offers to bring into action the sympathies of compassion in +other females; and what gratitude would such an instance of tenderness +beget! These poor women have frequently been heard to exclaim, while +tears filled their eyes, <i>How kind</i>, <i>how good to us</i>! for +favours very much less!</p> +<p>The author has seldom met with instances of ingratitude, though he is +obliged to record one. He was interested in the reformation of a +Gipsy family that encamped, a short time since, about five miles from +Southampton, whom he visited early on a Monday morning. Reaching the +camp, accompanied by the <!-- page 105--><a name="page105"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 105</span>old Gipsy he has often mentioned in the course +of this work, he said to them, “Since you would not come to see me, I +am come to see you.” The camp, consisting of eight persons, +gave him a cordial reception, the husband excepted, who said, he did not +want his company. “You certainly do not mean what you +say,” said his friend; to which he ungratefully replied, “I +never speak words without meaning.” In a good-natured way he +was questioned as to the truth of his being a Gipsy, accompanied with the +remark, that Gipsies were seldom ungrateful for the favours which were +shown them. In half an hour after, he left the camp very +angrily. This man had been released from many years’ +imprisonment, through the author’s intercession; but having +associated with thieves so long, the worst principles of his heart were +drawn forth. Before he left the camp, he said he had no care about +his children, but to feed and clothe them. “Then you only treat +your children as a man does his dogs and pigs.” He replied, +that “such treatment was good enough.” This is a common +sentiment; for the generality of parents have no further care about their +children than to feed and clothe them. Such persons are not perhaps +aware how nearly they come to that dreadful state of mind and heart, of +which this ungrateful Gipsy so wickedly boasted.</p> +<p>After he had left the party, those who remained attended to conversation +and prayer, when one of the women wept bitterly on account of her sin of +fortune-telling. The author has since been informed that this <!-- +page 106--><a name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 106</span>poor +man expresses his sorrow for his uncalled-for behaviour.</p> +<p>The plans adopted in Southampton, for the conversion of the Gipsies in +Hampshire, are now generally known among their people. Not long ago, +an old woman brought four orphans of a deceased relative from a great +distance, in order to place them under the care of the Committee. On +this occasion the old woman thus addressed the author. “Are you +Mr Crabb?” Being told, yes, she continued—“Mr Chas. +Stanley, a Gipsey, desired me to bring you these poor orphans.” +The author being assured that they were orphans, promised, after some +conversation, to visit their tent the following day. He did so, and +never can he forget the distressing scene he then witnessed. It was +winter, and the weather was unusually cold, there being much snow on the +ground. The tent, which was only covered with a <i>ragged</i> +blanket, was pitched on the lee side of a <i>small</i> hawthorn bush. +The children had stolen a few <i>green</i> sticks from the hedges, but they +would not burn. <i>There was no straw</i> in the tent, and only one +blanket to lay betwixt six children and the frozen ground, with nothing to +cover them. The youngest of these children was three, and the eldest, +seventeen years old. In addition to this wretchedness, the smaller +children were nearly naked. The youngest was squatted on the ground, +her little feet and legs bare, and gnawing a frozen turnip, which had been +stolen from an adjoining field. None of them had tasted bread for +more than a day. The moment they <!-- page 107--><a +name="page107"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 107</span>saw their visitor, +the little ones repeatedly shouted, “Here is the <i>gemman come for +us</i>!” Some money was given to the oldest sister to buy bread +with, at which their joy was greatly increased. Straw was also +provided for them to sleep on, four were measured for clothes, and, after a +few days, they were placed under the care of one of our reformed +Gipsies. The youngest child died, however, a short time after, in +consequence of having been so neglected in infancy.</p> +<p>The children were cleanly washed and newly clothed, before they were +removed from the common. Perhaps they had never been thoroughly +washed before. The oldest sister would not give up her wandering +habits; and the oldest boy chose to go back to the camp again; so that the +Committee had soon only three of them in charge. And these were so +filthy in their habits for a long time, that it was very disagreeable to be +near them. It is hoped that, though they have lost their earthly +parents, they may be led, through this event, to God their heavenly +Father. These children were soon baptized, and two of them are +improving at one of the Infants’ Schools.</p> +<p>A short account of their parents may not be out of place here. The +mother was a great fortune-teller and swindler. She once robbed a +poor shepherd in Dorsetshire of twenty pounds, by promising to fill his box +with money. Their father was a most depraved character. Their +life and practices are well described in the language of the Apostle, +<i>Let us eat and drink</i>, <i>for to morrow we die</i>. 1 Cor. xv. +32. The man was the <!-- page 108--><a name="page108"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 108</span>buffoon of their company, and became more +depraved every year. They often had a great deal of money, which was, +no doubt, obtained through dishonest means. On one occasion, he and +many other Gipsies, entered the parlour of a small public house on the +borders of Hants, when emptying the contents of a dirty purse into an +half-pint cup, he nearly filled it with sovereigns; and declared, they +would not leave the house, till they had spent it all. His wife, at +this time, who was intoxicated, was robbed of all the money she had got +from the poor credulous shepherd, excepting one pound.</p> +<p>The same man once put 150 sovereigns into his kettle, to treat himself +with what he called, <i>gold water</i>, for his tea; a piece of folly and +wickedness only equalled by a fact with which the author is well +acquainted, when an old man had his gold put under his pillow, and often +shown to him, when he was dying. We need not wonder, therefore, that +the children of this Gipsy couple should be so ignorant, depraved, and +destitute. For money that is ill-gotten, and squandered in +extravagance, entails a double curse on the parties concerned. But to +return to the subject of this chapter.</p> +<p>To visit the Gipsies in their tents is of great importance. +Clergymen of the Establishment, dissenting ministers, and home +missionaries, have at various times done this, and conversed freely with +them on the Christian religion; and it has <i>not been in vain</i>. +Indeed, nothing that is done, through Jesus Christ, purposely <!-- page +109--><a name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 109</span>to please +God, and benefit the wretched, can fail to produce a good effect. The +Rev. Messrs Hyatt and Cobbin, who were deputed by the Home Missionary +Society, to visit many parts of England, to enquire into the condition of +this people, had no doubt, but that much good may be done among them, if +proper means are pursued. It has many times been proved, that to +attempt to raise them in society, without the influence of religious +instruction, would be improper. They have not sufficient principles +of honesty, nor purity of conduct, till they are taught those principles, +and changed, by religion. One, among several instances, may be +named.</p> +<p>A young female Gipsy, remarkable for the beauty of her person, was much +noticed by a lady of rank. She was made to sit many times for her +portrait, was introduced into the drawing-room, and became of consequence +as one of the family. She might have done well, had she not given up +all her prospects by running away with a Gipsy youth, for whom she had an +attachment, and with whom she has ever since lived in great misery. +If less attention had been paid to her beauty, and more to the cultivation +of right principles, she might now have been reformed, religious, and +happy.</p> +<p>To those who wish to forward the instruction of the children of these +wanderers, which is of vast importance, the use of tins with letters and +monosyllables stamped upon them, is recommended. A little ink or +paint will be necessary to make the letters visible. <!-- page +110--><a name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 110</span>This plan +would save much expense, and render elementary books unnecessary. +They could not be torn, as books generally are. The pieces thrown +away by the tinman, if the corners were taken off, would answer every +purpose. To induce those children, who cannot be got from the tent, +to learn from these tins, the visitor might promise them an old garment, or +some other trifle. Should the Gipsies conduct themselves properly, +when thus visited, a little willow-wood may be given them to encourage them +in industry, and forward the manufactory of baskets. And it might be +well were a small piece of ground devoted to the growth of willows, in +neighbourhoods frequented by them, on purpose to encourage them +thereby. It might be adviseable, too, to give them testimonials on a +card, of good conduct, when about to remove to another district, which +might serve as an introduction to benevolent persons, and those interested +in their welfare in other places; and this means would effectually prevent +all imposition, keep up the attention of the good among them, and would +constantly bring them before the notice of christian society. Such +kindness would be felt by the Gipsies, and, in time, might produce a good +effect. This method has been attended to by the Southampton +Committee.</p> +<p>The great object that Christians should have in view, should be to +instruct them in the blessed truths of the Christian religion, imbue them +with a happy sense of honesty and morality, and then reclaim them wholly +from their unsettled and wandering habits; for <!-- page 111--><a +name="page111"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 111</span>until they have some +knowledge of religion, and some anxiety to reform, they would only be worse +by being brought constantly before the bad examples that would be set them +in towns. Of course, such a change <i>cannot be fully accomplished in +the present generation</i>; it cannot be expected. But their +conversion to God will wholly be accomplished in time, if all Christians do +their duty, depending on the influence of the Holy Spirit.</p> +<p>From what has been said in this chapter, it will appear, that, visiting +their tents to pray for, and instruct them, teaching such children to read +as cannot get to public schools, and prevailing on all who are able to do +so, to attend public worship; are the principal things to be attempted, in +this great and good undertaking. Those Christians who wish for +opportunities of doing good to the Gipsies in and about London, will find +many of them in the suburbs in the months of April, May, and June, when +they generally find work in the market gardens. In the months of July +and August they move into Sussex and Kent, and are engaged in the +harvest. And in the month of September, <i>great numbers</i> of them +are to be found in the hop-districts of Kent, Sussex and Surry, where they +find employment. During the winter, many of them settle in London, +Westminster, Bristol, and other large towns, when a good opportunity is +presented for teaching, both to the children and adults of this class, the +elements of reading, and the principles of true religion. For the +information of those who may wish to visit the Gipsies <!-- page 112--><a +name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 112</span>in London and +Bristol, during the winter, the author thinks it his duty to name the +streets where they generally reside.</p> +<p>Tottenham-court Road; Battle Bridge; Paddington; Bolton Street; Church +Lane; Church Street; Kent Street, Borough; New Street; White Street; +Banbridge Street; Shore-ditch; Tothill-fields; and Tunbridge Street. +In Bristol they are principally found in Saint Phillip’s, +Newfoundland Street, Bedminster, and at the March and September fairs.</p> +<p>At the Ascot and Epsom races, they may be met in large numbers; and if a +benevolent, kind, and zealous minister of Christ were to visit them at +their encampments at these seasons, and explain to them the facts, +doctrines, and blessings of the Gospel, much good might be done. The +morning would be the happiest time to visit these Gipsies, as they are too +often at races, inebriated before night. It is presumed little could +be said to profit them in a state of intoxication, and many of the women +are then employed either in swindling or fortune-telling.</p> +<p>Should the sympathies of the British public be efficiently directed to +the Gipsies of this country, it may call forth the zeal of other nations to +improve their still more degraded condition on the Continent, where more +than half a million of them wander, ignorant as the heathens of all that is +necessary to salvation. Those of this country loudly call upon us for +instruction, which may easily be given them. Let all who have either +time, money, or ability, give a helping hand; <!-- page 113--><a +name="page113"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 113</span>and, above all, +assist by their unfeigned and earnest prayers. It may be very +advisable to pray publicly for them in places of worship, and at the family +altar, after visiting them in the highways and hedges. It might +impress those of them who attend, with a grateful sense of the gracious +care of God, and lead Christian congregations to think more of them, and to +do more for them. May the merciful God of heaven and of earth, hasten +the happy period, when the Gipsies of this, and of all other countries, +shall embrace, and love, and be obedient to the Gospel of the gracious +Redeemer!</p> +<h2><!-- page 114--><a name="page114"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +114</span>CHAP. XIII. Further Account of encouraging interviews with +Gipsies, and interesting Correspondence.</h2> +<p>The author laments that he has passed so many years of his life wholly +careless of the Gipsies of this country. Having travelled many times +through England, he has had frequent opportunities of seeing them. +But, till now, he looked on their conversion as a hopeless case, and nearly +wholly neglected them. He has already stated the manner his attention +was first roused to consider their condition and necessities more +particularly, and he reflects with pleasure on the kindness of Providence +in leading him to witness those events which called for sympathy towards +them; and on the mercy of God so apparent in blessing the labours of +himself and others in their behalf.</p> +<p>The late Rev. Legh Richmond felt a deep interest in the conversion of +this people. To awaken the sympathies and energies of his countrymen +to that subject, he composed the following hymn on their behalf.</p> +<blockquote> +<p>THE GIPSIES’ PETITION.</p> +<p>Oh! ye who have tasted of mercy and love,<br /> + And shared in the blessings of pardoning grace;<br /> +Let us the kind fruits of your tenderness prove,<br /> + And pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race</p> +<p><!-- page 115--><a name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +115</span>For long have we wandered, neglected and wild,<br /> + Esteemed by all people as wretched and base;<br /> +Nor once on our darkness has light ever smiled;<br /> + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race.</p> +<p>Like you, we have lost that pure gem, which, when lost,<br /> + Not the mines of Golconda <a name="citation115"></a><a +href="#footnote115" class="citation">[115]</a> can ever replace;<br /> +To redeem it the blood of a Saviour it cost:<br /> + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race.</p> +<p>Like us, you were wild in the sight of your God;<br /> + But he looked, and he loved, and he pitied your case;<br /> +The Redeemer has cleansed you in streams of his blood;<br /> + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race.</p> +<p>Ye, who have found mercy, that mercy display;<br /> + Ye sons of adoption, your origin trace;<br /> +And then sure you cannot your face turn away,<br /> + But will pity and pray for the poor Gipsy race;</p> +<p>That we may form part of that numerous throng,<br /> + Redeemed from destruction by infinite grace;<br /> +And mingle with you in the heavenly song;<br /> + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>It has been the custom of the author to have a yearly meeting of the +Gipsies at his own house, which is then open to all their families. +Here, early in the year 1830, those who were in the lanes and on the common +near Southampton, met many of their kind and religious friends, who are +interested in their happiness. The morning was agreeably spent in a +religious service, conducted for their spiritual benefit; after which some +attention was paid to their temporal wants. Forty-eight <!-- page +116--><a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 116</span>of them, all +nearly related to each other, who were at that time assembled in the +neighbourhood to renew their family friendships, attended on this occasion, +and were much pleased with the services in which they engaged. +Different portions of the Scriptures were read and expounded to them, after +which they had a plain and familiar address. It was a pleasure to +meet these people at a throne of grace. After partaking of bread and +cheese and ale, during which they conducted themselves very properly, a +blanket was presented to the proprietor of each tent, a pair of stockings +to every individual, and a quantity of calico for changes for the +children. There were thirteen reformed Gipsies among them, who spent +the rest of the day in reading the Scriptures to their brethren at their +own houses.</p> +<p>These people expressed themselves very gratefully. One of the +families, of whom the mother could read, begged a bible. Some weeks +after this bible had been given, the family was visited in its tent, when +this copy of the Holy Scriptures was shewn to him, who observed many of the +pages doubled down to mark the passages with which the reader had been +impressed. The father of the family said—“I will never +rest till I can read that book through.” This poor man now +attends divine service whenever he has an opportunity, although he strongly +opposed, at one time, the reading of the Scriptures in his tent.</p> +<p>A lady, who was present at this meeting, asked one of the reformed +Gipsies, how she had felt herself <!-- page 117--><a +name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 117</span>on that +morning? She replied—“I never was so happy;” and, +after a short silence, continued—“The dinner we had last year, +was much better than that we had to-day, as it was roast beef and +plum-pudding; but what I heard then, of the minister’s address, was +only the word of man to me; but to-day, it has been the word of God; I am +sure it has.”</p> +<p>Although it may be feared, that to many Gipsies then present, the +reading of the Scriptures, and the familiar address, were only as <i>the +words of man</i>, yet is there reason to hope they understood it, and that +they will benefit thereby.</p> +<p>This woman had an only surviving brother who was killed in fighting, and +whose death was instantaneous. She was exceedingly distressed, and +observed, in reference to this awful circumstance, “I should not have +thought of his soul after death, at one time; but now I can read my +Testament, I am sure that none can go to heaven but those who are born +again.” And she made an observation, too, of the utmost +importance, shewing the great necessity there is for the Gipsies to be +taught to read. <i>My being able to read myself</i>, said she, <i>has +a great deal more effect upon me</i>, <i>than it would if another read it +to me</i>, <i>and I could not read</i>; <i>for now</i> <span +class="smcap">I am sure it is in the book</span>. She carries her +Testament in her pocket when she goes a journey, and reads it to her former +companions, when she meets them on the road; and if they express any wonder +at the change that has taken place, she refers them to the <!-- page +118--><a name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 118</span>Scriptures +as the cause, and her kind friends at Southampton, as the instruments.</p> +<p>The following circumstance lately occurred, and will shew the +improvement that has taken place in her daughters. One of them had +been sent by her mother to receive the weekly sum allowed her. On +receiving the money, she said, “This is twopence too much, +sir.” Being accustomed now and then to give her a few pence +towards buying a Testament, she was told to keep it for that purpose. +“I thank you,” said she, “I have got a Testament, now, +and mother has given her’s to my next sister, since she has had a +bible; and my youngest sister had a Testament given her at the Sunday +School: but one of us is saving money to buy a hymn-book with; I will give +<i>her</i> the twopence.”</p> +<p>This incident, trifling as it may seem to some, will not fail to gratify +others, whose hearts are anxiously desirous of improving the Gipsies.</p> +<p>In the autumn of 1830, the author felt a strong desire to visit Farnham, +where were, at that time, thousands of poor people assembled to pick hops, +among whom were many Gipsies. Stanley was sent a few days before to +make known his intentions of preaching to them on the evening of a fixed +day. While at Farnham, Stanley ate, drank, and slept in some of their +camps, by which he gained their confidence and affection.</p> +<p>During the author’s stay he accompanied Stanley to various +hop-plantations, where great numbers of the <!-- page 119--><a +name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 119</span>most wretched part of +the community are employed in the hopping season. Great numbers of +tracts were distributed among them, while the author entered into many free +and familiar conversations with them. Many were found very much +depraved; but none were more depraved among the Gipsies, than many of the +other class; for they were blasphemers of God and his religion. One +man, like many of old, stirred up the people to reject and despise the +truth. He said, “No one would get any thing by praying to +God;” and, “if people wanted bread on a Sunday, it would be +better for them to steal a mess of potatoes, and wood to cook them with, +than go to church.” Some of the poor shuddered at his boldness, +and contempt of God’s law. With much impudence he declared, +“that he knew a man who put his dough into the oven on a Sunday +without heating it, and then went to church to pray that God would bake it +for him; but that the fool was disappointed.” The minister said +to him—“You know that you have told a wilful lie. You +never knew such a man. There is not one of these little children will +believe you.” He appeared confounded at this unexpected +rebuke. May this sinner repent and be saved!</p> +<p>Among the hop-pickers of Farnham were many Gipsies the visitors had long +known; and their smiling faces spoke the gladness of their hearts and the +warmth of their gratitude, when they were noticed by their friends +affectionately and kindly; nor had they forgotten <!-- page 120--><a +name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 120</span>the favours that had +been shewn them at Southampton.</p> +<p>Those of the Gipsies who were not acquainted with the object the author +had in view, in paying them a visit, were much alarmed when enquiries were +made for the Gipsies in the hop-grounds; supposing they were pursued by the +magistrates. One youth told Stanley, that he knew not whether to run, +or stay where he was; but recollecting to have been <i>in no spray +lately</i>, he resolved on staying. When Stanley spoke to him in his +own language, and introduced the minister, all his fears vanished. +The Gipsies were astonished that any one should travel forty miles to see +them.</p> +<p>Their public meeting was after the labours of the day, near one of the +hop-grounds, about half an hour after sun-set. A few small candles +gave light to a small tenement, used as a lodging place for the +hop-gatherers, where the congregation was accommodated. A few of the +inhabitants of Farnham, and some of the female Gipsies, who were much +delighted to mingle with them in the worship of God, were put inside, and +the men, with such women and children as could not get in, stood outside, +the place being very much too small for so great a number of people. +The preacher stood on the threshold of the door and addressed the people, +of whom those without could only be seen now and then, as an adjacent wood +fire cast at intervals upon them an intermitting light. The Rev. Mr +Johnson <!-- page 121--><a name="page121"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +121</span>kindly attended, and assisted in the devotional part of the +service; and some of his congregation obligingly assisted in the +singing.</p> +<p>On this occasion the Gospel of Christ was addressed to many who had +never before heard an exposition of the blessed word of God. The +sermon was from Psalm lxxxvi. 5. After service the Gipsies were +exhorted to seek for opportunities of attending the house of God; to beg of +some minister a bible for every tent; and to ask every one who may come +near them to read certain of its pages to them.</p> +<p>During the address, many of <i>their crimes</i> were enlarged upon, and +their dread of, and liability to punishment for them in this world; and +they were urged to call on the God of all compassion and mercy, for help +and for forgiveness, by that all-powerful motive, that he will never be +inattentive to the prayers of the most helpless, wretched, and guilty +sinner, when presented to God by faith in our only mediator, Jesus +Christ.</p> +<p>Stanley, who, after the service, accompanied the Gipsies to their tents, +found that the sermon afforded conversation for the whole evening. +One of them said, “The minister has told us every thing, as though he +had lived with us.” Another observed, “If it be all true +what the gentleman has said, not a Gipsy can be saved.” A third +exhorted his children “never to say bad words again.” The +little creature replied—“Then I hope my <i>grandfer</i> +(grandfather) will never swear any more.” Many of them talked +of the evils <!-- page 122--><a name="page122"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +122</span>of fortune-telling, and some resolved on going to Southampton, to +see the reformed Gipsies.</p> +<p>During the stay of the minister in that neighbourhood, eighty of them +were visited, among whom was a dying woman, who very gladly received +instruction, and heard prayer. A minister, in the neighbourhood, had +been asked to visit her, but had neglected to do so.</p> +<p>The author must not forget to acknowledge the kindness of the farmers +who assisted him in the distribution of tracts, &c. &c., and who +solicited that some might be left them for that purpose.</p> +<p>This visit afforded an opportunity to contradict many false reports of +the treatment with which the Gipsy children had met in the Infants’ +Schools at Southampton. It was said that they were all confined, and +would at a future period be transported. This shews how easily people +who deceive others, are imposed on themselves.</p> +<p>The following letter was addressed to the author by a Gipsy woman when +she was in great trouble of mind. It is presented to the reader just +as it was received, and may be found interesting to the friends of their +cause.</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“Sir,</p> +<p>“I Hope you will Excuse Me for Riun These few Lines too you, I did +Not Now where To Cend to My Sister, I Have Been very Il and my +Familee. My Children Ave Had The Measils, They are Got Well from +That. I am Sorry to hinform you I Have Had <!-- page 123--><a +name="page123"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 123</span>A Shockin Accedent To +my Little Girl, She was Burnd to Death. I Give My Luv To My Son +Job. Plese to Give My Luv to My Sister Paishince, and Hur +Childern. Plese to Give My Luv To My Ant Pheny, and Plese to Lett Me +Now How My Cuzin James doos Go on, Plese to Lett Me Now How My Unkil Charls +and His Famly Is. Wm Duff Gives His Best Rispecs To All. Plese +To Tel My Sister too Anser This Letter By Returne of Post. I Am So +unappy in My Mind Till I Do Hear From Er. Dear Sister, I Have Mett +With so Much Trubel Sinc I Saw you Last, That I Am Sorre To inform +you. Plese to Tel my Child from Me To Bee A Good Boy, and Think +Imself Wel off Wher He Is. My Distris and My Trubel Makes Me Think +More of My Sister. Ples To Direct the Letter To Be Left At The Post +Offis, for Haryett Duff, Till Caulld for, in Bristil. Plese To Give +My Luv To My Son Job. So No More At Prezint from your Umble +Sarvint. Plese God I Am Coming To See You Some time This Munth.</p> +<p>“My Littel Girl Met The Accedent Wednesday, April 23, +1828.”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>The following letter, too, refers to the writer of the above.</p> +<blockquote> +<p style="text-align: right"><i>Bristol</i>, <i>August</i>, 1830.</p> +<p>“My dear Sir,</p> +<p>“As I know that you are deeply interested in every circumstance +relating to the Gipsies, I trouble you <!-- page 124--><a +name="page124"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 124</span>with the following +anecdote. In the month of January last, when walking in the city of +Bristol, I met a Gipsy woman, who accosted me with the usual salutation of +her race, “Shall I tell you your fortune?” I enquired her +name, and then said, “You well know that you are not able to tell me +my fortune; and I am sorry to see you carrying on such +deception.” I then endeavoured to speak to her about the +importance of considering her eternal welfare, and of seeking the salvation +which is in Christ Jesus; at the same time pointing out the certain +condemnation she was bringing upon herself, by willingly following the +<i>multitude to do evil</i>, even carrying <i>a lie in her right +hand</i>. She urged that her trade (which she acknowledged to be +built on deceit and falsehood) was her only support; and that she must +starve if she followed my advice. I reminded her that she would be +like Dives, if she gained the whole world and lost her own soul; but that +were she indeed to honour God, by giving up her wicked trade, because she +knew that it was displeasing to him, he would never suffer her to want any +good thing. After much more conversation, she assured me that she +would never tell fortunes again, and would discontinue her evil habits of +life. I told her that I could not allow her to make to me any promise +of the kind; for she did not know her wickedness, nor the power which could +alone prevent her from committing sin. I again besought her to avail +herself of the means of instruction within her power.</p> +<p>Before leaving the city, I commended her to the <!-- page 125--><a +name="page125"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 125</span>care of some pious +friends, who were interested in my account of her, and who kindly promised +not to lose sight of her. Since that time I have received very +pleasing accounts from them respecting her. They have purchased +materials in order that she may be able to support herself by +basket-making, which she has begun; and I trust she has relinquished her +former trade. She is making progress in reading, and constantly +attends the preaching of the Gospel. I hope also that she is really +in earnest for the welfare of her soul. I earnestly wish that every +one would take an interest in the same; and I should be much rejoiced if +the circumstance which I have just mentioned, should be the means of +encouraging any one to notice those Gipsies with whom they may occasionally +meet, and to exert themselves in saving them from their present degraded +condition.</p> +<p>“I am, my dear Sir,<br /> + “Yours respectfully,<br /> + * * * * *</p> +</blockquote> +<p><i>Wm. Stanley’s Letter to the Author</i>.</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“Hon. Sir,</p> +<p>“As you wish me to give you some account of the Gipsies, I gladly +comply with your request. I am a poor individual of that wandering +race, called Gipsies; yet, by the mercies of God, I was <i>rescued</i> from +that wandering life. In my <i>youthful days</i> I entered into the +<!-- page 126--><a name="page126"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +126</span>Wiltshire militia, when it pleased God to bring me under the +preaching of the Gospel at Exeter; and it was the means of awakening my +conscience. <i>From that time I have often been led to bepity the sad +state of the people whereof I made a part</i>. I have given them the +best instruction that lay in my power, and by reading the Scriptures to +them; but with very little visible effect for many years. Neither did +I think, till lately, that there were any of them in the world, that cared +for their souls, till the year 1827; when I was quite <i>overcome with love +to God</i>, <i>to find that the Lord had put it into the hearts of his dear +people at Southampton</i>, <i>to pity them in their forlorn condition</i>; +and now wonder not if I am at a loss for words to speak the feeling of my +heart; for, since that time I have seen <i>seventeen or eighteen</i>; +<i>nay</i>, <i>from twenty to thirty</i>; <i>nay</i>, <i>from forty to +fifty attend divine worship</i>; and <i>add</i> to this the many happy +hours I have spent with them in their tents near Southampton, in reading +and praying with them; and some of them that six months ago would not stay +in their camp on my approach to them, but would go away swearing, will now +receive me gladly, and produce a Bible or a Testament, which <i>had</i> +been given to them, and desire me to read it to them, saying, this book was +given to me by our dear friends in Southampton. But, <i>dreadful to +relate</i>, I find some children, <i>from three years old to fifteen</i>, +who never <i>said a prayer to their God</i>; who never heard any one pray, +and who <i>was</i> never in a church or chapel, nor have heard of the name +of Christ, but in blaspheming; and <!-- page 127--><a +name="page127"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 127</span>these are the +inhabitants of England! Oh, England! England! they are living and +dying without God: no wonder if they draw down the divine vengeance of +Heaven on the land!</p> +<p>“Many of these poor <i>ignorant mortals</i> do not know that they +are doing wrong by fortune-telling; and being informed that it is +displeasing to God, and ruinous to their own souls, they will say, it is +<i>of no service for me to give attendance to religion</i>, for I am forced +to ruin my soul for every morsel of bread I eat; but if God spares my life +I will leave it off as soon as I can; while others who are both ignorant +and hardened in their crimes, have told me it was the gift of God to them, +by which they were to gain their living. Surely they call <i>darkness +light</i>! Many of my people who join in talk with me, declare, that +if the Bible which I read to them be true, there cannot be many +saved. But they say that a reformation is needful, and this is +promised by them; and I am in great hopes that the time is at hand. +Oh, Lord! work for thine own glory, and stir up the minds of thy people in +all parts of the land, that they may help forward this good work amongst +these poor wanderers!</p> +<p>“Their ignorance and their crimes seem to have increased of late +years. When I was a boy, I well recollect their parting expressions, +which <i>was</i> so common amongst them—<i>Artmee Devillesty</i>, +which is—<i>God bless you</i>. But now it is <i>truly +awful</i>; it is <i>darkness itself</i>, <i>for they now ask God to send +them good luck</i> in their crimes. I <i>myself</i> thought for many +years, <i>till </i><!-- page 128--><a name="page128"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 128</span><i>I heard the Gospel</i>, <i>that God was +like some great gentleman</i>, <i>living at a great distance from us</i>; +but I had not a thought that he was every where present to notice the +conduct of his creatures, or to hear prayer. The ignorance of <i>my +people</i> is a loud call to Christians to assist; and, blessed be God, +they find that assistance in Southampton. The Bible has often been +taken away from Southampton in the Gipsies’ pack, and I have seen it +when they have returned, preserved with a great deal of care, and produced +for me to read, with great delight on their part.</p> +<p>“Surely this blessed book will not be idle, but will do +<i>wonders</i> amongst them, <i>through God’s grace</i>. I see +the effects already; do you say, how? I answer, <i>Was it ever +known</i>, <i>till now</i>, that Gipsies assembled on the sabbath day on +the common and in the lanes for divine worship? Did you ever see them +come to town on a sabbath day in such great numbers as they now do, when +encamping near Southampton? Some of the most ignorant of them are now +learning to read the Scriptures. This is the beginning of good +days. Oh! the good this will do to <i>my people at large</i>! +Nothing of importance took place in their camp all last summer, <i>and I +almost fainted under the discouragement</i>; but of late <i>it shows +another face</i>; and I make no doubt but it will spread, and I shall soon +see greater things than these.</p> +<p>I am, hon. Sir,<br /> +Your most obliged and humble Servant,<br /> +<span class="smcap">William Stanley</span>.”</p> +<p><!-- page 129--><a name="page129"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +129</span>“P. S.—On examining the different <i>branches of my +family</i>, I find upwards of 200 of us in different parts of +England.”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>This poor man, when a soldier, and in the habit of attending divine +service, as a part of his duty, often heard his comrades speak of the text, +on their return to the barracks. He one day made up his mind to bring +home the text also, the next time he went to church. He heard with +attention, and when he returned to the barracks, he said, “I’ve +got the text now.” “What is it, Stanley?” he was +asked by a comrade, when he answered, “The 19th day of the month, and +the 95th Psalm.” When relating this to the author, he added, +“I had the mortification to be laughed at by all my comrades who +witnessed my ignorance.” Do not many professing Christians come +away from the house of God as ignorant as this poor Gipsy? Or if they +have been taught to know and remember the text, it is all they attend +to. This man’s mind did not long remain in this dark +state. After the above event he learned to read, and one day, taking +up a Testament from the barracks’ table, he read a portion of it, +(for so he expressed himself) <i>The sublimity of the language struck +his mind with astonishment</i>, and he said, <i>I will buy that book if I +can</i>. His comrade asked him three halfpence for it; and he was +glad of his purchase; although the Testament was very much torn. The +Holy Scriptures were scarce in those days, a copy of which could seldom be +bought by the poor; <!-- page 130--><a name="page130"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 130</span>nor, indeed, would the word of life have been +useful to them, as not one in a hundred could read.</p> +<p>Soon after this, he was invited to attend a Wesleyan chapel in Exeter, +where a funeral sermon was to be preached by the Rev. Wm. Aver. The +text was, <i>Let me die the death of the righteous</i>, <i>and let my last +end be like his</i>. While the minister was describing the happiness +of the righteous, divine light shone upon his soul, he felt that <i>he</i> +was not that character, and that there was no prospect of his dying +happily, unless he possessed it. This sermon was the means of his +conversion.</p> +<h2><!-- page 131--><a name="page131"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +131</span>CHAP. XIV. Interesting particulars of the Gipsies, related +by a Clergyman.</h2> +<p>The following account is selected from a tract published in York, in +1822, detailing several interesting visits that a Yorkshire clergyman made +to some of the camps of that wandering and neglected people. Were the +author of the little book known, application would have been made to him, +for permission to reprint these extracts. But it is hoped he will +excuse the liberty taken, as the design is to <i>induce other clergymen and +ministers to go and do likewise</i>. This clergyman, having fallen in +with a gang of Gipsies on the road, who were travelling to their place of +encampment, addressed a young female among them, and found her not ignorant +of religion. “How,” said the clergyman, “did you +obtain the knowledge of religion?” “Sir,” answered +she, “in the depth of winter, the men folks only travel; the women +and children belonging to my family and party, always live in the +town. In those seasons I have gone with some of our relatives, who +live there, and are religious people, to the worship of God: in that way I +have learned these things.”</p> +<p>“This was a practical comment on the text which says, <i>The +entrance of the word giveth light</i>; <i>it giveth </i><!-- page 132--><a +name="page132"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 132</span><i>understanding to +the simple</i>. After giving her some suitable advice, and with it +his benediction, he left her; but not without hopeful expectations that the +seeds of grace were sown in her heart.</p> +<p>“He next overtook the grandmother and several of her +grandchildren. She was pleased at his noticing her, and answered his +enquiries with modesty and propriety. She corroborated what her +daughter had said, and in her answers discovered not only an acquaintance +with the general truths of the Gospel, but a feeling sense of their +importance. She said, ‘I love to go to church, and do go +<i>now</i>, sir, when I can; but do not always meet with the right +doctrines: my prayers I offer up night and morning, under the hedge. +I hope God Almighty hears my prayers.’ The clergyman observed, +that sincere prayer was acceptable to God any where, equally under the +hedge, as in the parlour, or in the church. When arrived at their +camp, he promised them a Bible, as they had none, and directed some of the +party to call at the friend’s house in the neighbourhood where he was +staying. Soon after his return thither, a knock was heard at the +door, when it was announced, ‘Two Gipsies, sir, are come for a +Bible.’ On going out, he found in the hall the young man who +could read, and a younger brother, a fine boy of about fourteen years of +age.” The gentleman who wrote the account, adds as +follows:—</p> +<p>“Their countenances were very animated and expressive; there +seemed to be a ray of heavenly brightness resting upon them; and while I +gave them a <!-- page 133--><a name="page133"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +133</span>charge how to read the sacred gift, they were much affected: the +boy, in particular, listened with eager attention, fixing his eyes first on +me, then on the Bible. After I had inscribed their names in the +title-page, they departed with my blessing; and what is better—with +the blessing of God.”</p> +<p>At another part of the year, this clergyman returned to the same spot +where he had before been so delightfully engaged in attempting to benefit +the poor Gipsies. He found out another camp, and thus writes of +them.</p> +<p>“On my approach to the camp (where was a group of nearly naked +children,) the Gipsy girls rose up, and, in a modest and respectful manner, +answered my questions; while the little swarthy group of children gathered +around me. To one of these girls I said, ‘How is it that you +bear such a wandering and exposed life?’ In reply, she said, +‘Sir, it is <i>use</i>; <i>use</i> is second nature.’ +‘But have you any religion? Do you think about God, about +judgment, and eternity? Do you know how to pray?’ She +answered, ‘I say my prayers, sir, night and morning.’ I +then said, ‘can any of your people read?’ ‘Yes, +sir,’ she replied, ‘one of our men that is not here, can read +very well.’ ‘Have you a Bible among you?’ +‘No, sir; we should be thankful for one, sir.’”</p> +<p>On leaving the camp, the clergyman promised to call on them again, when +the other part of the family should be returned from the town, where they +were gone to vend their wares.</p> +<p>“On my return to the encampment,” says he, “I <!-- +page 134--><a name="page134"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 134</span>was met +by two men who came out to greet me. I asked them kindly of their +names. They informed me it was Bosvill. The women and children +were now collected around me. I inquired who among them could +read. Captain Bosvill, for so I called him, answered me, ‘My +wife, sir, can read any thing in English.’ I was glad to hear +this, and asked them if they had any books. Bosvill went to a package +and brought forth his stock, fragments of an old Testament, and an old +spelling-book. ‘And what use do you make of your spelling +book?’ asked I. ‘My wife,’ replied Bosvill, +‘when she has time, teaches the children their letters.’ +I now shewed them the Bible I had in my pocket, saying, that as it was so +holy and blessed a book, it ought not to be given in an indifferent and +common manner; and asked, if I were to ride over in the evening to give it +them, and to explain to them its use, whether they would be all together to +hear me. ‘Yes, yes;’ was the reply, from many +voices. I appointed seven o’clock for the purpose. I then +distributed amongst them some tracts, containing passages for every day in +the week, and also the tract of Short Sermons; for which they were very +thankful. I told them that I intended to give them a Bible in the +evening, a book which few of them had ever seen, and which fewer +understood. I was pleased with the modesty of their deportment, and +with their eagerness for instruction. Surely they are a people whose +hearts the Lord has prepared for the reception of his word.</p> +<p>“At the hour appointed, I put the Bible in my <!-- page 135--><a +name="page135"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 135</span>pocket, and rode +again to the camp. The evening was particularly fine: the sun, hidden +behind some thick fleecy clouds, had thrown around a mild and pleasing +tint; the birds were every where singing their evening song; the ploughman +was ‘whistling o’er the lea;’ and nature, after the +labours of the day, was preparing for her wonted rest. It was a fit +time for meditation, prayer, and praise. Such an evening, perhaps, as +that which led the patriarch of old to meditation, when he lifted up his +eyes and saw the returning servants of his father bringing home his future +wife. As I drew near to the camp, I began to revolve in my mind the +best way of making them acquainted with the importance of the most +essential doctrines contained in the holy book I was about to give +them. On my arrival, I found that I had been long expected. The +men, however, were not there; they were gone to water a horse, which they +had lent all the day to a farmer; but a tawny girl ran with great speed, +barefooted, and brought them to the camp. I now dismounted, and gave +my horse, with my stick, to the care of one of the men. The family +circle was formed into an irregular circle round some pale embers, some of +them sitting cross-legged on the grass, and others standing. I placed +myself so as to have the women and children chiefly before me. The +woman who could read, was seated opposite me: the men, the tents, and the +package to the right; while the horses and asses belonging to the tribe, +were quietly grazing at a short distance in the lane. All was solemn +stillness; all was attentive expectation. <!-- page 136--><a +name="page136"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 136</span>As I took from my +pocket the Bible, the eyes of the whole company were instantly fixed upon +it. This book, said I, which I bring you, is the book of God; it is +sent from heaven to make poor miserable and dying man happy. I then +spoke a short time on God; on creation; how God created man upright; how he +was once happy in paradise; the way in which he sinned, and broke the law +of his Maker, and became guilty, polluted, and exposed to death and hell; +that to save men from this dreadful state, God devised a plan of mercy; +that he sent his Son, and the Scriptures of truth, which shew unto us the +way of salvation. This was something of the outline of my lecture; +but I added the responsibility of men to read the book, and to seek to +understand it. I solemnly charged them, by the sacred book itself, +and by the account which they, at the day of judgment, must give to God for +it, to make the most sacred and constant use of it, by reading it together +daily in their camp. In the course of my discourse, I stopped, and +said,—‘Now do you understand what I say?’ Captain +Bosvill’s wife replied, ‘We understand you, sir; but we have +not the same words which you have.’ In conclusion, I spoke of +the coming judgment, when they and all men must stand and be judged at the +righteous bar of God. The Bible was then delivered to the care of the +captain of the gang, and of his wife, the woman who could read.</p> +<p>“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 <!-- page 137--><a name="page137"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 137</span>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. +‘<i>God bless you</i>, <i>sir</i>; <i>thank you</i>, +<i>sir</i>;’ echoed throughout the camp.”</p> +<p>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.</p> +<p>“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 <i>in the clouds of heaven</i>, <i>to judge the world in +righteousness</i>. I spoke also of death, and of the immortality of +the soul.</p> +<p>“I had not proceeded far in my lecture, before <!-- page 138--><a +name="page138"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 138</span>several farmers and +passengers, some on horse back, and others on foot, joined my +congregation.</p> +<p>“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.’</p> +<p>“I said, moreover, that, ‘supposing, when I first saw your +camp, I had rode by you on the other side, and taken no notice of you, nor +felt an interest in your welfare; and after that, had met you at the bar of +judgment; what would have been the language with which you might have +addressed me at that awful period? Might you not have charged the +misery of your eternal condemnation upon me, and said, The curse we are +doomed to bear, thoughtless man, might, perchance, have been prevented by +you? You saw us when riding by our camp lying in ignorance, and +unbelief: you might have rode up to us, and imparted instruction to our +perishing souls; because to you were committed the oracles of God, and you +knew the way <!-- page 139--><a name="page139"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +139</span>to heaven. But, no, <i>cruel man</i>, our state excited in +you no compassion, or desire for our salvation. In your conduct there +was no imitation of your Lord and Master. Go, cruel man, and if +heaven you enter, let your felicity be embittered by the recollection of +neglect to the Gipsy wanderers, whom Providence had placed in your way, +that you might direct them to God, but which you neglected.’ In +conclusion, I again referred to the holy Bible, which I had given them; and +again repeated the way to use it. After which I said, Now we will +conclude with prayer, as we did last evening. Immediately the same +female who before brought the carpet, again spread it, with great civility, +for me to kneel upon; and again I offered up a solemn prayer for the +salvation of these lost and perishing mortals. The greatest +seriousness and awe rested upon the assembly. Surely the prayer was +registered in heaven, and shall, in time not far distant, be +answered.—Come, and take these heathens for thine inheritance, and +the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.—When I proposed +to take leave of my swarthy flock, it was not without feelings of +attachment on both sides. I had observed several of them much +affected under my discourse, and now they manifested it more openly. +As I shook hands with them, I said, ‘You see, I did not come among +you to give you money. I considered religious instruction of the most +value; therefore I have endeavoured to impart it.’ +‘Sir,’ replied several, ‘we did not want your money; your +instruction is better to us than money; and we thank you for +coming.’ <!-- page 140--><a name="page140"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 140</span>The camp now resounded with voices, saying, +‘Thank you, sir; God bless you, sir;’ and every countenance +seemed to glow with gratitude. The young branches of the family +seemed to think a great honour and blessing had been conferred upon +them.</p> +<p>“As I mounted my pony to come away, I observed one of the females, +a fine young woman about twenty-five years of age, the same that brought +the carpet from the package, and spread on the grass for me to kneel upon, +to retire from the rest. She walked slowly near to the hedge, and +appeared evidently much distressed. Her expressive eyes were lifted +up to heaven, while the big tears rolling down her cheeks, were wiped away +with her long black tresses. I thought—Here, surely, are some +of the first fruits!—Thus did the woman, who was a sinner, weep, and +with her hair wipe away the tears from the feet of her Saviour. May +those tears be as acceptable to God: may the same Redeemer bid her go in +peace! Her conduct attracted the notice of her family, and she was +asked the reason of her sorrow. At first she could scarcely speak; +but at length exclaimed, ‘Oh! I am a sinner!’ Then +lifting up her eyes to heaven, she wept aloud, and again wiped away the +falling tears with her hair. ‘But did you not know that before? +we are all sinners. What have you done to cause you so much +distress?’ She made no reply, but shook her head and +wept.”</p> +<p>The author of the <span class="smcap">Gipsies’ Advocate</span>, +who, for the encouragement of his readers, has embodied the <!-- page +141--><a name="page141"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 141</span>above +interesting paragraphs in his work, sincerely hopes and prays that all +ministers of Christ will, ere long, be led to imitate this clergyman in his +benevolent and Christian attempts to benefit by the influence of religion +and the word of God, the lost, and ignorant, and miserable, and perishing +among mankind.</p> +<h2><!-- page 142--><a name="page142"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +142</span>CHAP. XV. Interesting visits to Gipsy camps, including an +Anecdote of his late beloved <span class="smcap">majesty</span>, <span +class="smcap">george the third</span>.</h2> +<p>The following account is extracted from the Home Missionary Magazine for +June, 1823.</p> +<p><i>March</i>, 1823. “Sir,</p> +<p>“If the following facts should afford any encouragement to the +benevolent intentions of the Home Missionary Society, which has, for one of +its objects, the improvement of the state of the <i>poor Gipsies</i>, my +end in relating them will be amply answered.</p> +<p>“On Saturday evening, in the month of October, the narrator +followed several Gipsy families. Being arrived at the place of their +encampment, his first object was to gain their confidence. This was +accomplished; after which, to amuse their unexpected visitant, they shewed +forth their night diversions in music and dancing; likewise the means by +which they obtained their livelihood, such as tinkering, fortune-telling, +and conjuring. That the narrator might be satisfied whether he had +obtained their confidence or not, he represented his dangerous situation, +in the midst of which, they all with one voice cried, ‘Sir, <!-- page +143--><a name="page143"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 143</span>we would +kiss your feet, rather than hurt you!’ After manifesting a +confidence in return, the master of this formidable gang, about forty in +number, was challenged by the narrator for a conjuring match. The +challenge was instantly accepted. The Gipsies placed themselves in +the circular form, and both being in the middle, commenced with their +conjuring powers to the best advantage. At last the narrator proposed +the making of something out of nothing. This proposal was +accepted. A stone which never existed, was to be created, and appear +in a certain form in the middle of a circle made on the turf. The +master of the gang commenced, and after much stamping with his foot, and +the narrator warmly exhorting him to cry aloud; like the roaring of a lion, +he endeavoured to call forth nonentity into existence. Asking him if +he could do it? he answered, ‘I am not strong enough.’ +They were all asked the same question, which received the same +answer. The narrator commenced. Every eye was fixed upon him, +eager to behold this unheard-of exploit; but (and not to be wondered at,) +he failed!—telling them, he possessed no more power to <i>create</i> +than themselves. Perceiving the thought of insufficiency pervading +their minds, he thus spoke:—“Now, if you have not power to +create a poor little stone, and if I have not power either; what must that +power be, which made the whole world out of nothing?—men, women, and +children! that power I call God Almighty.”</p> +<p>The night’s diversion having received a change, <!-- page 144--><a +name="page144"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 144</span>the golden moment was +eagerly seized to impress on their minds the infinite power, holiness, and +justice of their Creator. This being done, the origin of sin, and the +immortality of the soul, were, in the second place, impressed on their +minds. Then followed the awful effects of sin, and the soul’s +eternal punishment in hell, because of offending this great God, whose +holiness could not look on sin, and whose justice would punish it. +Representing the soul’s eternal punishment by the wrath of an +incensed God, never did the preacher before witness such an effect; the +poor Gipsies, with tremulous voice, crying, ‘<i>Did you ever hear the +like</i>! <i> What ever shall we do</i>?’ These expressions +gave new energies to the preacher, and still brighter hopes of a good +effect. Going on with the awful representation, and in the act of +turning, as if to leave them, he bade them the long farewell. +‘Never, never more to meet till we meet in hell! Oh! what a +dreadful thing it is, my fellow-sinners, that we have to part in this world +with the thought of meeting in an eternal world of pains, never to see God! +never to see heaven! never to see any thing to comfort our poor +souls! Oh! we are lost, lost, poor souls, we are lost for +ever!—farewell!’ In the act of leaving them, these poor +creatures cried, ‘Not yet, Sir, not yet.’ Now was the +glorious moment come, which the preacher eagerly anticipated of proclaiming +the glad tidings of salvation through a crucified Saviour. Asking how +long they would stand to hear the way of escape from the wrath to come, +they instantly lifted up their voices, answering, <!-- page 145--><a +name="page145"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 145</span>‘All night, +Sir, all night.’ Then the preacher, without much persuasion, +exhibited a Saviour, in all his sufferings, merits, death, and glory. +They were sorry that such a good being should suffer so much; but the +preacher took care to show the absolute necessity of his sufferings. +Their manner bespoke an imperfect idea of a substitute. This was soon +made clear to their understandings by comparisons, when the master of the +gang cried, ‘I see it, I see it!’ He was asked what he +saw? ‘I see Jesus Christ getting between us and God, and +satisfying our great God’s justice by dying instead of +us.’ This truly made the preacher’s heart glad, seeing +the great plan of salvation was so clearly understood by those who declared +(although in a land of light,) they never heard of Jesus Christ before.</p> +<p>“The preacher sang the hymn:—</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“How condescending, and how kind<br /> +Was God’s eternal Son, &c,”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>and then ended with prayer. They solicited him to return on the +sabbath morning; he did so, and, as he hopes, under the influence of the +Holy Spirit. The master gratefully accepted of a bible; for though +the Gipsies could not read, a little boy was among them, who was not a +Gipsy, that could read remarkably well, having been taught at a Sunday +school at Hastings, in Sussex. They all joyfully anticipated the +pleasure of going to the Rev. J. Carter’s Chapel, of Braintree, in +the afternoon, but met with a disappointment, arising <!-- page 146--><a +name="page146"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 146</span>from an unexpected +decampment. About one month after, in the latter end of November, two +Gipsy women called on the narrator, earnestly entreating him to go and +preach to them, which they called conversation. Asking the reason, +why they entreated this favour? their answer was, ‘We have heard much +about your conversation, sir, and we should like to hear it. Come, do +come, and we will be all ready to receive you.’ Asking who they +were that told them of the conversation just mentioned, they said, +‘some of our people, Sir, that you were with about a month +since. They told us a great deal about your conversation, and we +should so much like to hear it. Oh! sir, do come to us poor +creatures, for we have an invitation for you, if you would condescend to +take it, to meet with the Gipsies on Christmas day.’ That +night, the narrator walked a few miles to their camp, and in their smoky +tent preached Jesus Christ the only way of salvation, to these poor, +despised, neglected creatures. After being with them two hours and a +half, he bade them farewell, and going behind a hedge, anxious to know what +effect the new unheard of doctrines would produce on their minds, he +listened for a short time. In the midst of conversation with each +other, one of them said, ‘Well, I know this, if I could get a house +near where that gentleman lives, and could live by my business, I would +send all my children to that school there, and hear him as long as ever I +could live.’ While they were conversing about Adam and Eve, and +the evil effects of sinning against God; one of the women said, +‘However, <!-- page 147--><a name="page147"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 147</span>you see, all the punishment that us women get, +is sorrow and pains in child-bearing.’ ‘Stop, +stop,’ says one of the men, ‘that won’t do, Ann, that +won’t do. If sorrow and pains in child-bearing be all the +punishment that women are to have, what punishment must those women have +that do not bear children? You are quite wrong, Ann; you women are as +bad as <i>us</i>.’ This led on to a further discovery, and the +conversation among themselves was truly interesting.</p> +<p>“One of the children telling a lie, the mother touched it on the +head, saying, ‘What are you telling lies about? Have you +forgotten what the gentleman said to night? You will go to hell, if +you tell any more lies. Let me never hear you tell another, you bad +lad, for God will not take you to heaven.’</p> +<p>“These, and several remarks about Jesus Christ, afforded no small +pleasure to the preacher, and he hopes that these facts will afford no +small encouragement to the Home Missionary Society.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">“Your very humble<br /> +Servant,<br /> +“J. H. C.”</p> +<p>Before the author relates one of the most extraordinary anecdotes with +which he is acquainted, one, of which a King and a dying Gipsy are the +characters, he will relate another interesting account of a visit to a +Gipsy camp, which will, it is hoped, prove that such visits are not in +vain, when made in dependence on the Divine blessing. A Gipsy, in +great distress of mind, and with weeping eyes, came to inform him of one of +<!-- page 148--><a name="page148"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +148</span>their people, who was in great anguish of mind, and entreated him +to visit them at the camp, which was several miles distant. The +request was gladly complied with. On arriving at the tent, he found a +woman sitting in a melancholy attitude on the ground; and distress and +anguish were strongly marked in her countenance. She appeared quite +indifferent to any thing that was said; and kept herself apparently engaged +with the sticks and brands around the fire near the mouth of the +tent. The man also appeared very melancholy. We learned that +the cause of their distress was jealousy on the part of the man, who was +called her husband. The circumstance which gave rise to those unhappy +feelings had taken place several years before; yet the poor man has been so +unhappy, that he has often intended to destroy both himself and his wife; +and not many days before this visit to the camp, he had threatened to +execute his purpose. The author talked and prayed with him, and +exhorted him to look to God for strength and grace. Their repeated +conversations were made useful to him, and those miserable feelings were +subdued, and he now lives happily with the woman he had before hated, even +to an intention of murder. This is another evidence, although a +distressing one, that a want of chastity is evil in their sight.</p> +<p>“A king of England, of happy memory, who loved his people and his +God, better than kings in general are wont to do, occasionally took the +exercise of hunting. Being out one day for this purpose, <!-- page +149--><a name="page149"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 149</span>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, <!-- +page 150--><a name="page150"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 150</span>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; <i>the silver cord was loosed</i>, +<i>and the wheel broken at the cistern</i>. 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 <!-- page 151--><a name="page151"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 151</span>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, <i>but no one could I get +to come with me to pray with my dear mother</i>!’ 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.</p> +<p>“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.</p> +<p><!-- page 152--><a name="page152"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +152</span>“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?’”</p> +<h2><!-- page 153--><a name="page153"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +153</span>CHAP. XVI. Further interesting Correspondence.</h2> +<blockquote> +<p>“Dear Sir,</p> +<p>“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.</p> +<p>“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.</p> +<p>“Were a distinct society formed to effect a reformation <!-- page +154--><a name="page154"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 154</span>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 <i>they</i> seem +shy in return; and hence they continue a kind of outcast body in a +civilized country.</p> +<p>“If any further steps are taken, and if I can in any way assist in +promoting your good object, you may command my services.</p> +<p>“I am, dear sir, respectfully yours,</p> +<p>“<span class="smcap">I. Cobbin</span>.”</p> +</blockquote> +<p><i>Extracts from the Letter of a Clergyman’s Lady</i>.</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“Sir,</p> +<p>“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 <!-- page 155--><a name="page155"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 155</span>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.</p> +<p>“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 <!-- page 156--><a +name="page156"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 156</span>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 <i>godly book</i>, 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 <i>to preach</i> to the dying, and that they never +omit having their babes <i>full christened</i>, 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 <i>church folks</i>. I fear that, +though they had a general knowledge of the Supreme Being, they were sadly +ignorant of the most important point of Christianity, <!-- page 157--><a +name="page157"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 157</span>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 <i>if house-rent</i>, <i>clothes</i>, <i>food</i>, <i>and all +other necessaries were found them</i>, they would; but that they would not +settle on any other condition.</p> +<p>“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 <!-- page 158--><a name="page158"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +158</span>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.</p> +<p>“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?”</p> +</blockquote> +<p><i>Extracts of a Letter from a man of plain</i>, <i>but pious +character</i>, <i>addressed to the Southampton Committee</i>.</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“Gentlemen,</p> +<p>“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 +<!-- page 159--><a name="page159"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +159</span>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.”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>After some other pleasing details, this humble person concludes his +letter thus:</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“With regard to the children, I meet with here and there +<i>one</i> 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.</p> +<p>“I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,<br /> + “* * * * *”</p> +</blockquote> +<p>A clergyman, a most valuable correspondent, observes, while addressing +the Committee, through the author:</p> +<blockquote> +<p>“In speaking to the Gipsies on the road side, and offering a +tract, I have never but once met with impertinence. <!-- page +160--><a name="page160"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 160</span>It is +probable that the individual had been impertinently treated, first, by +people called Christians.</p> +<p>“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.’</p> +<p>“This observation is equally applicable to the Gipsies of England; +for, if Christian denominations did their duty, they would cease to be +Gipsies.”</p> +</blockquote> +<h2><!-- page 161--><a name="page161"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +161</span>CHAP. XVII. Concluding Remarks.</h2> +<p>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.</p> +<p>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.</p> +<p>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; <!-- +page 162--><a name="page162"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 162</span>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.</p> +<p>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. +<i>Blessed are the merciful</i>, <i>for they shall obtain mercy</i>.</p> +<p>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 <i>Christian</i> 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 <!-- page 163--><a +name="page163"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 163</span>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:—<i>Go ye into the highways and hedges</i>, <i>and compel +them to come in</i>, <i>that my house may be filled</i>. 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:—</p> +<p><i>Thou shalt not avenge</i>, <i>nor bear any grudge against the +children of thy people</i>; <i>but thou shalt love thy neighbour as +thyself</i>. Leviticus, xix. 18. <i>The stranger that dwelleth +with you shall be as one born amongst you</i>, <i>and thou shalt love him +as thyself</i>; xxxiv. 5. <i>Beware of hardness of heart toward thy +poor brother</i>. Deut. vii. 15, 9. <i>Be ye therefore </i><!-- +page 164--><a name="page164"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +164</span><i>merciful</i>, <i>as your Father who is in heaven is +merciful</i>. Luke vi. 36. <i>For he raiseth up the poor out of +the dust and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill</i>. Psalm cxiii. +7. <i>Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to +you</i>, <i>do ye even so to them</i>; <i>for this is the law and the +prophets</i>. Matt. vii. 12. <i>Thou shalt love thy neighbour +as thyself</i>. Matt. xix. 19. And who is thy neighbour? +Read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and <i>Go and do +likewise</i>. Luke x. 15.</p> +<p>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!</p> +<h2><!-- page 165--><a name="page165"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +165</span>APPENDIX.</h2> +<p>Since the <span class="smcap">Gipsies’ Advocate</span> 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 <!-- page 166--><a name="page166"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +166</span>themselves with the children, and others with the adults. +May their example have its due influence on surrounding Christians!</p> +<p>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.</p> +<p>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.</p> +<p>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 <!-- page +167--><a name="page167"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 167</span>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 <i>blessing</i>, <i>and honour</i>, <i>and glory</i>, +<i>and power</i>, <i>unto him that sitteth upon the throne</i>, <i>and unto +the Lamb for ever and ever</i>.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">THE END.</p> +<h2><!-- page 168--><a name="page168"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +168</span>LIST OF AUTHORS<br /> +WHO HAVE WRITTEN ON THE GIPSIES.</h2> +<p><span class="smcap">H. M. G. Grellman’s Dissertation on the +Gipsies</span>. Translated by M. Rapier.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hoyland’s Survey of the Gipsies</span>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Twiss’s Travels in Spain</span>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Swinburne’s Travels in Italy</span>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Dr C. D. Clark’s Travels in Russia</span>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Capt. David Richardson</span>. Referred to in +the seventh volume of <i>Asiatic Researches</i>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Brown’s Vulgar Errors</span>.</p> +<p>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.</p> +<h2>ERRATA.</h2> +<p>Page Line</p> +<p>31, 24, <i>For</i> ‘would be in a town,’ <i>read</i>, +‘would be in, in a town.’</p> +<p>55, 30, <i>For</i> ‘dispatching,’ <i>read</i>, +‘despatching.’</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">baker and son</span>, +<span class="smcap">printers</span>, <span +class="smcap">southampton</span>.</p> +<h2>Footnotes:</h2> +<p><a name="footnote10"></a><a href="#citation10" +class="footnote">[10]</a> See a late account of this Colony in a +subsequent page.</p> +<p><a name="footnote11a"></a><a href="#citation11a" +class="footnote">[11a]</a> See Hoyland, pages 78, 79, and 80.</p> +<p><a name="footnote11b"></a><a href="#citation11b" +class="footnote">[11b]</a> 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, <span class="smcap">xi</span>. 6, +7, 8, 9. 1 Cor. <span class="smcap">vi</span>. 9, 10, 11.</p> +<p><a name="footnote12"></a><a href="#citation12" +class="footnote">[12]</a> 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—<i>Where is my +mum</i>? <i>I wish my mum would come home</i>.</p> +<p><a name="footnote14"></a><a href="#citation14" +class="footnote">[14]</a> 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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote16"></a><a href="#citation16" +class="footnote">[16]</a> “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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote18"></a><a href="#citation18" +class="footnote">[18]</a> “The gentleman spoke dixen to +me,” said a Gipsy to the Author; that is, long hard words.</p> +<p><a name="footnote28"></a><a href="#citation28" +class="footnote">[28]</a> 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!</p> +<p><a name="footnote45"></a><a href="#citation45" +class="footnote">[45]</a> 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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote72"></a><a href="#citation72" +class="footnote">[72]</a> Sold by Seeley, and by Westley and Co, +London; Clark, Bristol; Binns, Bath; and Lindsay and Co, Edinburgh.</p> +<p><a name="footnote75"></a><a href="#citation75" +class="footnote">[75]</a> 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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote76"></a><a href="#citation76" +class="footnote">[76]</a> 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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote97"></a><a href="#citation97" +class="footnote">[97]</a> 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.</p> +<p><a name="footnote115"></a><a href="#citation115" +class="footnote">[115]</a> A district in East India celebrated for +diamonds.</p> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE***</p> +<pre> + + +***** This file should be named 19852-h.htm or 19852-h.zip****** + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/8/5/19852 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Gipsies' Advocate + or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of + The English Gipsies + + +Author: James Crabb + + + +Release Date: November 17, 2006 [eBook #19852] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE*** + + + + +Transcribed from the 1831 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org + + + + + + THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE; + OR, + OBSERVATIONS + ON THE + ORIGIN, CHARACTER, MANNERS, AND HABITS + OF + The English Gipsies: + + + TO WHICH ARE ADDED, + MANY INTERESTING ANECDOTES, + ON THE + SUCCESS THAT HAS ATTENDED THE PLANS OF SEVERAL + BENEVOLENT INDIVIDUALS, WHO ANXIOUSLY + DESIRE THEIR CONVERSION TO GOD. + + BY JAMES CRABB, + + AUTHOR OF "THE PENITENT MAGDALEN." + + "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost." + "Let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus." + + LONDON: + + SEELEY, FLEET STREET; WESTLEY AND DAVIS, AVE-MARIA-LANE; HATCHARD, + PICCADILLY; LINDSAY AND CO., SOUTH STREET, ANDREW STREET, EDINBURGH; + COLLINS, GLASGOW; WAKEMAN, DUBLIN, WILSON AND SON, YORK. + + 1831. + + BAKER AND SON, PRINTERS, SOUTHAMPTON. + + TO + THE JUDGES, MAGISTRATES, + AND + Ministers of Christ, + AS THE + ORGANS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE, AND REVEALED TRUTH, + THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE + IS MOST + RESPECTFULLY AND SINCERELY DEDICATED + BY + THE AUTHOR. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The Author of the following pages has been urged by numerous friends, and +more particularly by his own conscience, to present to the Christian +Public a brief account of the people called Gipsies, now wandering in +Britain. This, to many readers, may appear inexpedient; as Grellman and +Hoyland have written largely on this neglected part of the human family. +But it should be recollected, that there are thousands of respectable and +intelligent christians, who never have read, and never may read either of +the above authors. The writer of the present work is partly indebted for +the sympathies he feels, and which he wishes to awaken in others toward +these miserable wanderers, to various authors who have written on them, +but more particularly to Grellman and Hoyland, who, in addition to the +facts which came under their own immediate notice, have published the +observations of travellers and others interested in the history of this +people. A list of these authors may be seen in the Appendix. + +But his knowledge of this people does not entirely depend on the +testimony of others, having had the opportunity of closely examining for +himself their habits and character in familiar visits to their tents, and +by allowing his door to be free of access to all those encamped near +Southampton, when they have needed his help and advice. Thus has he +gained a general knowledge of their vicious habits, their comparative +virtues, and their unhappy modes of life, which he hopes the following +pages will fully prove, and be the means of placing their character in +the light of truth, and of correcting various mistakes respecting them, +which have given rise to many unjust and injurious prejudices against +them. + +The Author could have enlarged the present work very considerably, had he +detailed all the facts with which he is well acquainted. + +His object, however, was to furnish a work which should be concise and +cheap, that he might be the means of exciting among his countrymen an +energetic benevolence toward this despised people; for it cannot be +denied that many thousands of them have never given the condition of the +Gipsies a single thought. + +Such a work is now presented to the public. Whether the author has +succeeded, will be best known to those persons who have the most correct +and extensive information relative to the unhappy race in question. +Should he be the honoured instrument of exciting in any breasts the same +feelings of pity, mercy, love and zeal for these poor English heathens, +as is felt and carried into useful plans for the heathens abroad, by +christians of all denominations; he will then be certain that, by the +blessing of the Redeemer, the confidence of the Gipsies will be gained, +and, that they will be led to that Saviour, who has said, _Whosoever +cometh unto me_, _I will in no wise cast him out_. + + + + +CHAP. I. On the Origin of the Gipsies. + + +Of the Origin of these wanderers of the human race, the learned are not +agreed; for we have no authentic records of their first emigrations. +Some suppose them to be the descendants of Israel, and many others, that +they are of Egyptian origin. But the evidence adduced in confirmation of +these opinions appears very inconclusive. We cannot discover more than +fifty Hebrew words in the language they speak, and they have not a +ceremony peculiar to the Hebrew nation. They have not a word of Coptic, +and but few of Persian derivation. And they are deemed as strangers in +Egypt at the present time. They are now found in many countries of +Europe, Asia, and Africa, in all of which they speak a language _peculiar +to themselves_. On the continent of America alone are there none of them +found. Grellman informs us that there were great numbers in Lorraine, +and that they dwelt in its forests, before the French Revolution of 1790. +He supposes that there are no less than 700,000 in the world, and that +the greatest numbers are found in Europe. Throughout the countries they +inhabit, they have kept themselves a distinct race of people in every +possible way. + +They never visit the Norman Isles; and it is said by the natives of +Ireland, that their numbers are small in that country. Hoyland informs +us, that many counties in Scotland are free of them, while they wander +about in other districts of that country, as in England. He has also +informed us, sec. 6, of a colony which resides during the winter months +at Kirk Yetholm in the county of Roxburgh. {10} + +Sir Thomas Brown, in his work entitled "VULGAR ERRORS," says, that they +were seen first in Germany, in the year 1409. In 1418, they were found +in Switzerland; and in 1422, in Italy. They appeared in France, on the +17th August, 1427. It is remarkable that, when they first came into +Europe, they were black, and that the women were still blacker than the +men. From Grellman we learn, that "in Hungary, there are 50,000; in +Spain, 60,000; and that they are innumerable in Constantinople." + +It appears from the statute of the 22nd of Henry VIII, made against this +people, that they must at that time have been in England some years, and +must have increased much in number, and in crime. In the 27th of that +reign, a law was made against the importation of such persons, subjecting +the importer to 40_l_ penalty. In that reign also they were considered +so dangerous to the morals and comfort of the country, that many of them +were sent back to Calais. Yet in the reign of Elizabeth, they were +estimated at 10,000. {11a} + +Dr Walsh says, that the Gipsies in Turkey, like the Jews, are +distinguishable by indelible personal marks, dark eyes, brown complexion, +and black hair; and by unalterable moral qualities, an aversion to +labour, and a propensity to petty thefts. {11b} + +The celebrated traveller, Dr Daniel Clarke, speaks of great numbers of +Gipsies in Persia, who are much encouraged by the Tartars. Formerly, and +particularly on the Continent, they had their counts, lords, and dukes; +but these were titles without either power or riches. + +The English Gipsies were formerly accustomed to denominate an aged man +and woman among them, as their king and queen; but this is a political +distinction which has not been recognized by them for many years. + +If we suppose the Gipsies to have been heathens before they came into +this country, their separation from pagan degradation and cruelty, has +been attended with many advantages to themselves. They have seen neither +the superstitions of idolatry, nor the unnatural cruelties of heathenism. +They are not destitute of those sympathies and attachments which would +adorn the most polished circles. In demonstration of this, we have only +to make ourselves acquainted with the fervour and tenderness of their +conjugal, parental, and filial sensibilities,--and the great care they +take of all who are aged, infirm, and blind, among them. Were these +highly interesting qualities sanctified by pure religion, they would +exhibit much of the beauty and loveliness of the christian character. I +am aware that an opinion is general, that they are cruel to their +children; but it may be questioned if ebullitions of passion are more +frequent among them, in reference to their children, than among other +classes of society; and when these ebullitions, which are not lasting, +are over--their conduct toward their children is most affectionate. The +attachment of Gipsy children to their parents is equally vivid and +admirable; it grows with their years, and strengthens even as their +connections increase. {12} And indeed the affection that sisters and +brothers have one for the other is very great. A short time since, the +little sister of a Gipsy youth seventeen years of age, was taken ill with +a fever, when his mind became exceedingly distressed, and he gave way to +excessive grief and weeping. + +Those who suppose these wanderers of mankind to be of Hindostanee or +Suder origin, have much the best proof on their side. A real Gipsy has a +countenance, eye, mouth, hands, ancle, and quickness of manners, strongly +indicative of Hindoo origin. This is more particularly the case with the +females. Nor is the above mere assertion. The testimony of the most +intelligent travellers, many of whom have long resided in India, fully +supports this opinion. And, indeed, persons who have not travelled on +the Asiatic Continent, but who have seen natives of Hindostan, have been +surprised at the similarity of manners and features existing between them +and the Gipsies. The Author of this work once met with a Hindoo woman, +and was astonished at the great resemblance she bore in countenance and +manners to the female Gipsy of his own country. + +The Hindoo Suder delights in horses, tinkering, music, and fortune +telling; so does the Gipsy. The Suder tribes of the same part of the +Asiatic Continent, are wanderers, dwelling chiefly in wretched mud-huts. +When they remove from one place to another, they carry with them their +scanty property. The English Gipsies imitate these erratic tribes in +this particular. They wander from place to place, and carry their small +tents with them, which consist of a few bent sticks, and a blanket. {14} +The Suders in the East eat the flesh of nearly every unclean creature; +nor are they careful that the flesh of such creatures should not be +putrid. How exactly do the Gipsies imitate them in this abhorrent choice +of food! They have been in the habit of eating many kinds of brutes, not +even excepting dogs and cats; and when pressed by hunger, have sought +after the most putrid carrion. It has been a common saying among +them--_that which God kills_, _is better than that killed by man_. But +of late years, with a few exceptions, they have much improved in this +respect; for they now eat neither dogs nor cats, and but seldom seek +after carrion. But in winter they will dress and eat snails, hedge-hogs, +and other creatures not generally dressed for food. + +But the strongest evidence of their Hindoo origin is the great +resemblance their own language bears to the Hindostanee. The following +Vocabulary is taken from Grellman, Hoyland, and Captain Richardson. The +first of these respectable authors declares, that twelve out of thirty +words of the Gipsies' language, are either purely Hindostanee, or nearly +related to it. + +The following list of words are among those which bear the greatest +resemblance to that language. + +_Gipsy_. _Hindostanee_. _English_. +Ick, Ek, Ek, One. +Duj, Doj, Du, Two. +Trin, Tri, Tin, Three. +Schtar, Star, Tschar, Four. +Pantsch, Pansch, Pansch, Five. +Tschowe, Sshow, Tscho, Six. +Efta, Hefta, Sat, Seven. +Ochto, Aute, Eight. +Desch, Des, Des, Ten. +Bisch, Bis, Bis Twenty. +Diwes, Diw, Day. +Ratti, Ratch, Night. +Cham, Cam, Tschanct The sun. +Panj, Panj, Water. +Sonnikey, Suna, Gold. +Rup, Ruppa, Silver. +Bal, Bal, The hair. +Aok, Awk, The eye. +Kan, Kawn, The ear. +Mui, Mu, The mouth. +Dant, Dant, A tooth. +Sunjo, Sunnj, The hearing. +Sunj, Sunkh, The smell. +Sik, Tschik, The taste. +Tschater, Tschater, A tent. +Rajah, Raja, The prince. +Baro, Bura, Great. +Kalo, Kala, Black. +Grea, Gorra, Horse. +Ker, Gurr, House. +Pawnee, Paniee, Brook, drink, water. +Bebee, Beebe, Aunt. +Bouropanee, Bura-panee, Ocean, wave. +Rattie, Rat, Dark night, +Dad, Dada, Father. +Mutchee, Muchee, Fish. + +This language, called by themselves Slang, or Gibberish, invented, as +they think, by their forefathers for secret purposes, is not merely the +language of _one_, or a _few _of these wandering tribes, which are found +in the European Nations; but is adopted by the vast numbers who inhabit +the earth. + +One of our reformed Gipsies, while in the army, was with his regiment at +Portsmouth, and being on garrison duty with an invalid soldier, he was +surprised to hear some words of the Gipsy language unintentionally +uttered by him, who was a German. On enquiring how he understood this +language, the German replied, that he was of Gipsy origin, and that it +was spoken by this race in every part of his native land, for purposes of +secrecy. {16} + +A well known nobleman, who had resided many years in India, taking +shelter under a tree during a storm in this country, near a camp of +Gipsies, was astonished to hear them use several words he well knew were +Hindostanee; and going up to them, he found them able to converse with +him in that language. + +Not long ago, a Missionary from India, who was well acquainted with the +language of Hindostan, was at the Author's house when a Gipsy was +present; and, after a conversation which he had with her, he declared, +that, her people must once have known the Hindostanee language _well_. +Indeed Gipsies have often expressed surprise when words have been read to +them out of the Hindostanee vocabulary. + +Lord Teignmouth once said to a young Gipsy woman in Hindostanee, _Tue +burra tschur_, that is, _Thou a great thief_. She immediately replied; +No--_I am not a thief_--_I live by fortune telling_. + +It can be no matter of surprise that this language, as spoken among this +people, is generally corrupted, when we consider, that, for many +centuries, they have known nothing of elementary science, and have been +strangers to books and letters. Perhaps the secrecy necessary to effect +many of their designs, has been the greatest means of preserving its +scanty remains among them. But an attempt to prove that they are _not_ +of Hindoo origin, because they do not speak the Hindostanee with perfect +correctness, would be as absurd as to declare, that, our Gipsies are not +natives of England, because they speak very incorrect English. The few +words that follow, and which occurred in some conversations the Author +had with the most intelligent of the Gipsies he has met, prove how +incorrectly they speak _our_ language; and yet it would be worse than +folly to attempt to prove that they are not natives of England. + +Expencival _for_ expensive. + +Cide _for_ decide. + +Device _for_ advice. + +Dixen _for_ dictionary. {18} + +Ealfully _for_ equally. + +Indistructed _for_ instructed. + +Gemmem _for_ gentleman. + +Dauntment _for_ daunted. + +Spiteliness _for_ spitefulness. + +Hawcus Paccus _for_ Habeas Corpus. + +Increach _for_ increase. + +Commist _for_ submit. + +Brand, in his observations on POPULAR ANTIQUITIES, is of opinion that the +first Gipsies fled from Asia, when the cruel Timur Beg ravaged India, +with a view to proselyte the heathen to the Mohammedan religion; at which +time about 500,000 human beings were butchered by him. Some suppose, +that, soon after this time, many who escaped the sword of this human +fury, came into Europe through Egypt; and on this account were called, in +English, GIPSIES. + +Although there is not the least reason whatever to suppose the Gipsies to +have had an Egyptian origin, and although, as we have asserted in a +former page, they are strangers in that land of wonders to the present +day; yet it appears possible to me, that Egypt may have had something to +do with their present appellation. And allowing that the supposition is +well founded, which ascribes to them a passage through Egypt into +European nations, it is very likely they found their way to that place +under the following circumstances. + +In the years 1408 and 1409, Timur Beg ravaged India, to make, as has +already been observed, proselytes to the Mohammedan delusion, when he put +hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants to the sword. It is very +rational to suppose, that numbers of those who had the happiness not to +be overtaken by an army so dreadful, on account of the cruelties it +perpetrated, should save their lives by flying from their native land, to +become wandering strangers in another. Now if we assert that the Gipsies +were of the Suder cast of Asiatic Indians, and that they found their way +from Hindostan into other and remote countries when Timur Beg spread +around him terrors so dreadful, it is natural to ask, why did not some of +the other casts of India accompany them? This objection has no weight at +all when we consider the hatred and contempt poured upon the Suder by all +the other casts of India. The Bramins, Tschechteries, and Beis, were as +safe, though menaced with destruction by Timur Beg, as they would have +been along with the Suder tribes, seeking a retreat from their enemy in +lands where he would not be likely to follow them. Besides, the other +casts, from time immemorial, have looked on their country as especially +given them of God; and they would as soon have suffered death, as leave +it. The Suders had not these prepossessions for their native soil. They +were a degraded people--a people looked on as the lowest of the human +race; and, with an army seeking their destruction, they had every motive +to leave, and none to stay in Hindostan. + +It cannot be determined by what track the forefathers of the Gipsies +found their way from Hindostan to the countries of Europe. But it may be +presumed that they passed over the southern Persian deserts of Sigiston, +Makran and Kirman, along the Persian Gulph to the mouth of the Euphrates, +thence to Bassora into the deserts of Arabia, and thence into Egypt by +the Isthmus of Suez. + +It is a fact not unworthy a place in these remarks on the origin of this +people, that they do not like to be called Gipsies, unless by those +persons whom they have reason to consider their real friends. This +probably arises from two causes of great distress to them--_Gipsies are +suspected and hated as the perpetrators of all crime_--_and they are +almost universally prosecuted as vagrants_. Is it to be wondered at, +that to strangers, they do not like to acknowledge themselves as Gipsies? +I think not. + +We will conclude our remarks on the origin of these erratic sons of Adam, +by adding the testimony of Col. Herriot, read before the Royal Asiatic +Society, Sir George Staunton in the chair. That gentleman, giving an +account of the Zingaree of India, says, that this class of people are +frequently met with in that part of Hindostan which is watered by the +Ganges, as well as the Malwa, Guzerat, and the Decan: they are called +Nath, or Benia; the first term signifying a _rogue_--and the second a +_dancer_, or _tumbler_. And the same gentleman cites various authorities +in demonstration of the resemblance between these Gipsies and their +neglected brethren in Europe. Nor does he think that the English Gipsies +are so degraded as is generally supposed; in support of which he mentions +some instances of good feeling displayed by them under his own +observation, while in Hampshire. + + + + +CHAP. II. Observations on the Character, Manners, and Habits of the +English Gipsies. + + +The origin of this people is by no means of so much importance as the +knowledge of their present character, manners and habits, with the view +to the devising of proper plans for the improvement of their condition, +and their conversion to christianity: for to any one who desires to love +his neigbour as himself, their origin will be but a secondary +consideration. + +Fifty years ago the Gipsies had their regular journeys, and often +remained one or two months in a place, when they worked at their trades. +And as access to different towns was more difficult than at the present +day, partly from the badness of the roads and partly from the paucity of +carriers, they were considered by the peasantry, and by small farmers, of +whom there were great numbers in those days, as very useful branches of +the human family; I mean the industrious and better part of them. At +that period they usually encamped in the farmers' fields, or slept in +their barns; and not being subject to the _driving system_, as they now +are, they seldom robbed hedges; for their fires were replenished with +dead-wood procured, without any risk of fines or imprisonments, from +decayed trees and wooded banks. And it is proper to suppose, that, at +such a time, their outrages and depredations were very few. + +It has already been stated that the Gipsies are very numerous, amounting +to about 700,000. It is supposed that there are about 18,000 in this +kingdom. But be they less or more, we ought never to forget--that they +are branches of the same family with ourselves--that they are capable of +being fitted for all the duties and enjoyments of life--and, what is +better than all, that they are redeemed by the same Saviour, may partake +of the same salvation, and be prepared for the same state of immortal +bliss, from whence flows to the universal church of Christ, that peace +which the world cannot take from her. Their condition, therefore, at +once commands our sympathies, energies, prayers, and benevolence. + +Gipsies in general are of a tawny or brown colour; but this is not wholly +hereditary. The chief cause is probably the lowness of their habits; for +they very seldom wash their persons, or the clothes they wear, their +linen excepted. Their alternate exposures to cold and heat, and the +smoke surrounding their small camps, perpetually tend to increase those +characteristics of complexion and feature by which they are at present +distinguishable. + +It is not often that a Gipsy is seen well-dressed, even when they possess +costly apparel; but their women are fond of finery. They are much +delighted with broad lace, large ear-drops, a variety of rings, and +glaring colours; and, when they possess the means, shew how great a share +they have of that foolish vanity, which is said to be inherent in +females, and which leads many, destitute of the faith, and hope, and +love, and humility of the gospel, into utter ruin. + +A remarkable instance of the love of costly attire in a female Gipsy, is +well known to the writer. The woman alluded to, obtained _a very large +sum of money_ from three maiden ladies, pledging that it should be +doubled by her art in conjuration. She then decamped to another +district, where she bought a blood-horse, a black beaver hat, a new +side-saddle and bridle, a silver-mounted whip, and figured away in her +ill-obtained finery at the fairs. It is not easy to imagine the +disappointment and resentment of the covetous and credulous ladies, whom +she had so easily duped. + +Nor indeed are the males of this people less addicted to the love of gay +clothing, if it suited their interests to exhibit it. An orphan, only +ten years of age, taken from actual starvation last winter, and who was +fed and clothed, and had every care taken of him, would not remain with +those who wished him well, and who had been his friends; but returned to +the camp from which he had been taken, saying, that he _would be a +Gipsy_, _and would wear silver buttons on his coat_, _and have topped +boots_; and when asked how he would get them, he replied--_by catching +rats_. + +Some Gipsies try to excel others in the possession of silver buttons. +They will sometimes give as much as fifteen pounds for a set. The +females too spend many pounds on weighty gold rings for their fingers. +The Author has by him, belonging to a Gipsy, three massy rings soldered +together, and with a half sovereign on the top, which serves instead of a +brilliant stone. We pity a vain Gipsy whose eyes are taken, and whose +heart delights in such vulgar pomp. Are not those equally pitiable, who +estimate themselves only by the gaiety, singularity, or costliness of +their apparel? The Saviour has given us a rule by which we may judge +persons in reference to their dress, as well as in other ostensibilities +of character--_by their fruits ye shall know them_. + +The Gipsies are not strangers to pawn-brokers shops; but they do not +visit these places for the same purposes as the vitiated poor of our +trading towns. A pawnshop is their bank. When they acquire property +illegally, as by stealing, swindling, or fortune-telling, they purchase +valuable plate, and sometimes in the same hour pledge it for safety. +Such property they have in store against days of adversity and trouble, +which on account of their dishonest habits, often overtake them. Should +one of their families stand before a Judge of his country, charged with a +crime which is likely to cost him his life, or to transport him, every +article of value is sacrificed to save him from death, or apprehended +banishment. In such cases they generally retain a Counsellor to plead +for the brother in adversity. + +At other times they carry their plate about with them, and when visited +by friends, they bring out from dirty bags, a silver tea-pot, and a +cream-jug and spoons of the same metal. Their plate is by no means +paltry. Of course considerable property in plate is not very generally +possessed by them. + +The Gipsies of this country are very punctual in paying their debts. All +the Shop-keepers, with whom they deal in these parts, have declared, that +they are some of their best and most honest customers. For the payment +of a debt which is owing to one of their own people, the time and place +are appointed by them, and should the debtor disappoint the creditor, he +is liable by their law of honour to pay double the amount he owes; and he +must pay it by personal servitude, if he cannot with money, if he wish to +be considered by his friends honest and respectable. They call this law +_pizharris_. + +There are few of these unhappy people that can either read or write. Yet +a regular and frequent correspondence is kept up between the members of +families who have had the least advantage of the sort; and those who have +had no advantages whatever, correspond through the kindness of friends +who write for them. Numerous are the letters which they receive from +their relatives in New South Wales, to which Colony so many hundreds of +this unsettled race have been transported. Their letters are usually +left at one particular post-office, in the districts where they travel; +and should such letters not be called for during a long period, they are +usually kept by the post-master, who is sure they will be claimed, sooner +or later. A long journey will be no impediment, when a letter is +expected; for a Gipsy will travel any distance to obtain an expected +favour of the kind. They are never heard to complain of the heavy +expense of postage. + +We have already observed that there are many genuine features of humanity +in the character of this degraded and despised people. Their constantly +retaining an affectionate remembrance of their deceased relatives, +affords a striking proof of this statement. And their attachment to the +horse, donkey, rings, snuffbox, silver-spoons, and all things, except the +clothes, of the deceased relatives, is very strong. With such articles +they will never part, except in the greatest distress; and then they only +pledge some of them, which are redeemed as soon as they possess the +means. + +Most families visit the graves of their near relatives, once in the year; +generally about the time of Christmas. Then the depository of the dead +becomes a rallying spot for the living; for there they renew their +attachments and sympathies, and give and receive assurances of continued +good will. At such periods however they are too often addicted to +feasting and intemperance. + +The graves of the deceased of this people, are usually kept in very good +order in the various Church yards where they lie interred. This is done +by the Sextons, for which they are annually remunerated. Sometimes large +sums of money are expended on the erection of head-stones; and in one +instance a monument was erected in the County of Wilts at considerable +cost. It is not very long since, that the parents of a deceased Gipsy +child, whom they loved very much, paid a great sum to have it buried in +the Church. + +The Gipsies have a singular custom of burning all the clothes belonging +to any one among them deceased, with the straw, litter, &c, of his tent. +Whether this be from fear of infection, or from superstition, the Author +has not been able to learn. Perhaps both unite in the continuation of a +custom which must be attended with some loss to them. {28} + +Seldom do these mysterious sons and daughters of Adam unite themselves in +the holy obligations of marriage, after the form of the Established +Church of our land. Nor, indeed, for so sacred a union, have they _any +ceremony at all_. The parents on each side are consulted on such +occasions, and if their consent be obtained, the parties become, after +their custom, _husband and wife_. Should the parents object, like the +thoughtless and imprudent persons in higher life, who flee to Gretna +Green, the Gipsy lovers also escape from their parents to another +district. When the couple are again met by the friends of the female, +they take her from her protector; but if it appear that he has treated +her kindly, and is likely to continue to do so, they restore her to him, +and all objections and animosities are forgotten. + +As it seldom happens that they now stay more than a few days in one +place, the Gipsy, his wife, and each of their children, may severally +belong to different parishes. This is an objection to their ultimate +settlement in any one place. It will be some time before this objection +can be removed: not till the present generation of Gipsies has passed +away, and their posterity cease to make the wilderness their homes, +choosing a parish for a permanent place of settlement. + +It may naturally be expected that these inhabitants of the field and +forest, the lane and the moor, are not without a knowledge of the +medicinal qualities of certain herbs. In all slight disorders they have +recourse to these remedies, and frequently use the inner bark of the elm, +star-in-the-earth, parsley, pellitory-in-the-wall, and wormwood. They +are not subject to the numerous disorders and fevers common in large +towns; but in some instances they are visited with that dreadful scourge +of the British nation, the Typhus fever, which spreads through their +little camp, and becomes fatal to some of its families. The small-pox +and measles are disorders they very much dread; but they are not more +disposed to rheumatic affections than those who live in houses. It is a +fact, however, that ought not to be passed over here, that when they +leave their tents to settle in towns, they are generally ill for a time. +The children of one family that wintered with us in 1831, were nearly all +attacked with fever that threatened their lives. This may be occasioned +by their taking all at once to regular habits, and the renunciation of +that exercise to which they have been so long accustomed, with some +disposing qualities in their change of diet and the atmosphere of a +thickly populated town. + +This people often live to a considerable age, many instances of which are +well known. In his tent at Launton, Oxfordshire, died in the year 1830, +more than a hundred years of age, James Smith, called by some, the King +of the Gipsies. By his tribe he was looked up to with the greatest +respect and veneration. His remains were followed to the grave by his +widow, who is herself more than a hundred years old, and by many of his +children, grand-children, great grand-children, and other relatives; and +by several individuals of other tribes. At the funeral his widow tore +her hair, uttered the most frantic exclamations, and begged to be allowed +to throw herself on the coffin, that she might be buried with her +husband. The religion of the Redeemer would have taught her to say, _The +Lord gave_, _and the Lord hath taken away_; _blessed be the name of the +Lord_. + +A woman of the name of B--- lived to the reputed age of a hundred and +twenty years, and up to that age was accustomed to sing her song very +gaily. Many events in the life of this woman were very remarkable. In +her youth she was a noted swindler. At one time she got a large sum of +money, and other valuable effects, from a lady; for which and other +offences, she was condemned to die. A petition was presented to George +the Third, to use the Gipsy's own expression, who told the author, _just +after he had set __up business_, that is, begun to reign, and he attended +to its prayer. The sentence was reversed, and her life was consequently +spared. But, poor woman, she repented not of her sins; for she taught +her daughter to commit the same crimes for which she had been condemned; +so that her delivery from condemnation led to no salutary reformation. + +The mutual attachment which subsists between the nominal husband and +wife, is so truly sincere, that instances of infidelity, on either side, +occur but seldom. They are known strictly to avoid all conversation of +an unchaste kind in their camps, except among the most degraded of them; +and instances of young females having children, before they pledge +themselves to those they love, are rare. This purity of morals, among a +people living as they do, speaks much in their favour. + +The anxiety of a Gipsy parent to preserve the purity of the morals of a +daughter, is strongly portrayed in the following fact. The author wished +to engage as a servant the daughter of a Gipsy who was desirous of +quitting her vagrant life; but her mother strongly objected for some +time; and when pressed for the reason of such objection, she named the +danger she would be in a town, far from a mother's eye. It would be well +if all others felt for their children as did this unlettered Gipsy. +After having promised that the morals of the child should be watched +over, she was confided to his care. And the author has known a Gipsy +parent correct with stripes a grown daughter, for mentioning what a +profligate person had talked about. + +The following is an instance of conjugal attachment. A poor woman, whose +eldest child is now under the care of the Society for the improvement of +the Gipsies, being near her confinement, came into the neighbourhood of +Southampton, to be with her friends, who are reformed, during the time. +This not taking place so soon as she expected, and having promised to +meet her husband at a distance on a certain day, he not daring to shew +himself in Hampshire, she determined on going to him; and having mounted +her donkey, set off with her little family. She had a distance of nearly +fifty miles to travel, and happily reached the desired spot, where she +met her husband before her confinement took place. The good people at +Warminster, near which place she was, afforded her kind and needful +assistance; and one well-disposed lady became God-mother to the babe, who +was a fine little girl; the grateful mother pledging that, at a proper +age, she should be given up to Christians to be educated. + +Before this woman left Southampton, referring to many kind attentions +shewn her by the charitable of that place, she was heard to say, +_Well_--_I did not think any one would take such trouble for me_! + +Professing to be church people whenever they speak of religion, the +Gipsies generally have their children baptized at the church near which +they are born, partly because they think it right, and partly, perhaps +chiefly, to secure the knowledge of the parish to which the child +belongs; for every illegitimate child is parishioner in the parish in +which it happens to be born. They will sometimes apply to the parish +officers for something toward the support of a child, which they call +_settling the baby_. + +The sponsors at baptism are generally branches of the same family, and +they speak of their God-children with pleasure, who in return manifest a +high feeling of respect for them, and superstitiously ask their blessing +on old Christmas-days, when in company with them. It is worthy of remark +that all the better sort of Gipsies teach their children the LORD'S +PRAYER. + +The anxiety evidenced by some parish officers to prevent these families +from settling in their districts, has occasionally led the Gipsies to act +unjustifiably by menacing them with the settlement of a number of their +families; but this, from their perpetual wandering, need never be feared. +Happy would it be for the Gipsies as a people, if these civil officers +did encourage them to stay longer in their neighbourhood; for they then +might be induced to commence and persevere in honest, industrious and +regular habits. Not long ago thirty-five Gipsies came to a parish in +Hampshire, to which they belonged, and demanded of the overseers ten +pounds, declaring that, if that sum were not given them, they would +remain there. Seven pounds were advanced, and they soon left the place. + + + + +CHAP. III. The Character, Manners and Habits of the English Gipsies, +continued. + + +From the mode of living among the Gipsies, the parents are often +necessitated to leave their tents in the morning, and seldom return to +them before night. Their children are then left in or about their +solitary camps, having many times no adult with them; the elder children +then have the care of the younger. Those who are old enough gather wood +for fuel; nor is stealing it thought a crime. By the culpable neglect of +the parents in this respect, the children are often exposed to accidents +by fire; and melancholy instances of children being burnt and scalded to +death, are not unfrequent. The author knows one poor woman, two of whose +children have thus lost their lives, during her absence from her tent, at +different periods: and very lately a child was scalded to death in the +parish where the author writes. + +The Gipsies are not very regular in attending to the calls of appetite +and hunger. Their principal meal is supper, and their food is supplied +in proportion to the success they have had through the day; or, to use +their own words, _the luck they have met with_. + +Like the poor of the land through which they wander, they are fond of +tea, drinking it at every meal. When times are hard with them, they use +English herbs, of which they generally carry a stock, such as agrimony, +ground-ivy, wild mint, and the root of a herb called spice-herb. + +The trades they follow are generally chair-mending, knife-grinding, +tinkering, and basket-making, the wood for which they mostly steal. Some +of them sell hardware, brushes, corks, &c.; but in general, neither old +nor young among them, do much that can be called labour. And it is +lamentable that the greatest part of the little they do earn, is laid by +to spend at their festivals; for like many tribes of uncivilized Indians, +they mostly make their women support their families, who generally do it +by swindling and fortune-telling. Their baskets introduce them to the +servants of families, of whom they beg victuals, to whom they sell +trifling wares, and tell their fortunes, which indeed is their principal +aim, as it is their greatest source of gain. They have been awkwardly +fixed, both servants and the Gipsy fortune-teller, when the lady of the +house has unexpectedly gone into the kitchen and surprised them while +thus employed; and sometimes, to avoid detection, the obnoxious party has +been hurried into a closet, or butler's pantry, where there has been much +plate. Few are aware of the losses that have attended the conduct of +unprincipled servants in this, as in other respects. It may be hoped +that few families would knowingly look over conduct so improper, so +dangerous. + +Many of these idle soothsayers endeavour to persuade the people whom they +delude, that the power to foretell future events, is granted to them from +heaven, to enable them to get bread for their families. It would be well +were the prognostications of these women encouraged only among servants; +but this is not the case. They are often invited into gay and +fashionable circles, whom they amuse, if, by the information possessed by +the parties, they are not cunning enough to deceive. They are well paid, +and are thus encouraged in their iniquity by those who ought to know, and +_teach them_ better. But it is astonishing how many _respectable_ people +are led away with the artful flattery of such visitors. They forget that +the Gipsy fortune-teller has often made herself acquainted with their +connexions, business, and future prospects, and consider not that God +commits not his secrets to the wicked and profane. They use not the +reason heaven has given them, and are therefore more easily led astray by +these crafty deceivers. + +They generally prophesy good. Knowing the readiest way to deceive, to a +young lady they describe a handsome gentleman, as one she may be assured +will be her "husband." To a youth they promise a pretty lady, with a +large fortune. And thus suiting their deluding speeches to the age, +circumstances, anticipations and prospects of those who employ them, they +seldom fail to please their vanity, and often gain a rich reward for +their fraud. + +They suit their incantations, or their pretended means of gaining +knowledge, to their employers. Two female servants went into the camp of +some Gipsies near Southampton, to have their fortunes told by one well +known to the author, and a great professor of the art. On observing them +to appear like persons in service, she said to a companion, _I shall not +get my books or cards for them_; _they are but tenants_. And calling for +a frying-pan, she ordered them to fill it with water, and hold their +faces over it. This being done, she proceeded to flatter and to promise +them great things, for which she was paid 1_s_ 6_d_ each. This is called +the frying-pan fortune. But it ought to be remembered that all +fortune-telling is quite as contemptible. + +These artful pretenders to a knowledge of future events, generally +discover who are in possession of property; and if they be superstitious +and covetous, they contrive to persuade them there is a lucky stone in +their house, and that, if they will entrust to them, _all_, or a _part of +their money_, they will double and treble it. Sorry is the author to say +that they often gain their point. Tradesmen have been known to sell +their goods at a considerable loss, hoping to have the money doubled to +them by the supposed power of these wicked females, who daringly promise +to multiply the blessings of Providence. + +If the fortune-teller cannot succeed in obtaining a large sum at first, +from such credulous dupes, she commences with a small one; and then +pretending it to be too insignificant for the planets to work upon, she +soon gets it doubled, and when she has succeeded in getting all she can, +she decamps with her booty, leaving her mortified victims to the just +punishment of disappointment and shame, who are afraid of making their +losses known, lest they should be exposed to the ridicule they deserve. +Parties in Gloucestershire, Dorsetshire, and Hampshire, have been robbed +in this manner of considerable sums, even as much as three and four +hundred pounds, the greatest part of which has been spent in Hampshire. + +A young lady in Gloucestershire allowed herself to be deluded by a Gipsy +woman of artful and insinuating address, to a very great extent. This +lady admired a young gentleman, and the Gipsy promised that he would +return her love. The lady gave her all the plate in the house, and a +gold chain and locket, with no other security than a vain promise that +they should be restored at a given period. As might be expected, the +wicked woman was soon off with her booty, and the lady was obliged to +expose her folly. The property being too much to lose, the woman was +pursued, and overtaken. She was found washing her clothes in a Gipsy +camp, with the gold chain about her neck. She was taken up; but on +restoring the articles, was allowed to escape. + +The same woman afterwards persuaded a gentleman's groom, that she could +put him in possession of a great sum of money, if he would first deposit +with her, all he then had. He gave her five pounds and his watch, and +borrowed for her ten more of two of his friends. She engaged to meet him +at midnight in a certain place a mile from the town where he lived, and +that he there should dig up out of the ground a silver pot full of gold, +covered with a clean napkin. He went with his pick-axe and shovel at the +appointed time to the supposed lucky spot, having his confidence +strengthened by a dream he happened to have about money, which he +considered a favourable omen of the wealth he was soon to receive. Of +course he met no Gipsy; she had fled another way with the property she +had so wickedly obtained. While waiting her arrival, a hare started +suddenly from its resting place, and so alarmed him, that he as suddenly +took to his heels and made no stop till he reached his master's house, +where he awoke his fellow servants and told to them his disaster. + +This woman, who made so many dupes, rode a good horse, and dressed both +gaily and expensively. One of her saddles cost 30 pounds. It was +literally studded with silver; for she carried on it the emblems of her +profession wrought in that metal; namely, a half-moon, seven stars, and +the rising sun. Poor woman! _her_ sun is now nearly set. Her sins have +found her out. She has been in great distress on account of a son, who +was transported for robbery; but has never thought of seeking, as a +penitent, refuge in the God of mercy; for seeing one of her reformed +companions reading the New Testament, she exclaimed, _That book will make +you crazy_, at the same time calling her a fool for burning her +fortune-telling book. Her condition is now truly wretched; for her +ill-gotten gains are all fled, and she is dragging out a miserable +existence, refusing still to seek the mercy of God, and despising those +who have made him their refuge. + +Another woman, whom the author would also call a _bad_ Gipsy, who +likewise practised similar deceptions, having persuaded a person to put +his notes and money in a wrapper and lock it up in a box, she obtained +the liberty of seeing it in his presence, that she might pronounce +certain words over it; and although narrowly watched, she contrived to +steal it, and to convey into the box a parcel similar in appearance, but +which on examination, contained only a bundle of rubbish. This money +amounted to several hundred pounds. She was immediately pursued and +taken with the whole amount about her person. She was also allowed to +escape justice, because the covetous old man neither wished to expose +himself, nor waste his money in a prosecution. + +The daughter of this woman has followed the same evil and infamous +practices; and the crime has descended to her through several +generations. Many circumstances like the above are hid to prevent the +shame that would assuredly follow their exposure. But the day of Christ +will exhibit both these deceivers and their dupes, who are equally +heinous in the sight of God. It were well if such characters had paid +more attention to the words of the apostle Paul--_And having food and +raiment_, _let us therewith be content_. _They that will be rich_, _fall +into temptation_, _and a snare_, _and into many foolish and hurtful +lusts_, _which drown men in destruction_. _The love of money is the root +of all __evil_; _which_, _while some have coveted after_, _they have +erred from the faith_, _and pierced themselves through with many +sorrows_. + +Not to mention many other facts with which the author is acquainted, and +which he would relate, were he not likely thereby too much to enlarge his +work, he will conclude this chapter with observing, that, thankfulness to +Almighty God, for the blessings we enjoy, less anxiety about future +events, and more confidence in what God has revealed in his word and +providence, would leave no room for the encouragement of Gipsy +fortune-tellers, and their craft would soon be discontinued. + + + + +CHAP. IV. The Character, Manners, and Habits of the English Gipsies, +continued. + + +Among this poor and destitute people, instances of great guilt, depravity +and misery are too common; nor can it be otherwise expected, while they +are destitute of the knowledge of salvation in a crucified and ascended +Saviour. One poor Gipsy, who had wandered in a state of wretchedness, +bordering on despair, for nearly forty years, had not in all that time, +_heard of the Name which is above every name_; _for there is salvation in +no other_; till in his last days some Christian directed him to the +Bible, as a book that tells poor sinners the way to God. He gave a woman +a guinea to read its pages to him; and he remunerated another woman, who +read to him the book of Common Prayer. The last few years of his life +were marked by strong conviction of sin. His children thought he must +have been a murderer. They often saw him under the hedges at prayer. In +his last moments he received comfort through a pious minister, who +visited him in his tent, and made him acquainted with the promises of the +gospel. + +A similar instance has been related by a clergyman known to the author; +nor should the interview of GEORGE THE THIRD with a poor Gipsy woman, be +forgotten; for a brighter example of condescending kindness is not +furnished in the history of kings. This gracious monarch became the +minister of instruction and comfort to a dying Gipsy, to whom he was +drawn by the cries of her children, and saw her expire cheered by the +view of that redemption he had set before her. + +But how few are there of the tens of thousands of Gipsies, who have died +in Britain, that, whether living or dying, have been visited by the +minister or his people! The father of three orphan children lately taken +under the Care of the Southampton Committee for the improvement of the +Gipsies, had lived an atheist, but such he could not die. He had often +declared there was no God; but before his death, he called one of his +sons to him and said--_I have always said there was no God_, _but now I +know there is_; _I see him now_. He attempted to pray, but knew not how! +And many other Gipsies have been so afraid of God, that they dreaded to +be alone. + +It is a fact not generally known, that the Gipsies of this country have +not much knowledge of one another's tribes, or clans, and are very +particular to keep to their own. Nor will those who style themselves +respectable, allow their children to marry into the more depraved clans. + +The following are a few of the family names of the Gipsies of this +country:--Williams, Jones, Plunkett, Cooper, Glover, Carew (descendants +of the famous Bamfield Moore Carew), Loversedge, Mansfield, Martin, +Light, Lee, Barnett, Boswell, Carter, Buckland, Lovell, Corrie, Bosvill, +Eyres, Smalls, Draper, Fletcher, Taylor, Broadway, Baker, Smith, Buckly, +Blewett, Scamp, and Stanley. Of the last-named family there are more +than two hundred, most of whom are known to the author, and are the most +ancient clans in this part of England. + +It is a well-authenticated fact, that many persons pass for Gipsies who +are not. Such persons having done something to exclude them from +society, join themselves to this people, and marrying into their clans, +become the means of leading them to crimes they would not have thought +of, but for their connection with such wicked people. Coining money and +forging notes are, however, crimes which cannot be justly attributed to +them. Indeed it has been too much the custom to impute to them a great +number of crimes of which they either never were guilty, or which could +only be committed by an inconsiderable portion of their race; and they +have often suffered the penalty of the law, when they have not in the +least deserved it. They have been talked of by the public, and +prosecuted by the authorities, as the perpetrators of every vice and +wickedness alike shocking to civil and savage life. Nor is this to be +wondered at, living as they do, so remote from observation and the walks +of common life. + +Whoever has read Grellman's Dissertation on the Continental Gipsies, and +supposes that those of England are equally immoral and vicious, will be +found greatly mistaken. The former are a banditti of robbers, without +natural affection, living with each other almost like brutes, and +scarcely knowing, and assuredly never caring about the existence of God; +some of them are even counted cannibals. The Gipsies of this country are +altogether different; for monstrous crimes are seldom heard of among +them. + +The author is not aware of any of them being convicted of house-breaking, +or high-way robbery. Seldom are they guilty of sheep-stealing, or +robbing henroosts. {45} Nor can they be justly charged with stealing +children; this is the work of worthless beggars who often commit far +greater crimes than the Gipsies. + +They avoid poaching, knowing that the sporting gentlemen would be severe +against them, and that they would not be permitted to remain in the lanes +and commons near villages. They sometimes take osiers from the banks and +coppices of the farmer, of which they make their baskets; and +occasionally have been known to steal a sheep, but never when they have +had any thing to eat, or money to buy it with; for according to a proverb +they have among themselves, _they despise those who risk their necks for +their bellies_. + +The author however recollects a transgression of the sort in the county +of Hants. Eight Gipsy men united in stealing four sheep: four were +chosen by lot for the purpose. They sharpened their knives, rode to the +field, perpetrated the act, and before day-break brought to their camp +the sheep they had engaged to steal; and, before the evening of the same +day, they were thirty miles distant. But when pressed by hunger, they +have been known to take a worse method than this. For as the farmers +seldom deny them a sheep that has died in the field, if they apply for +it, _so many_ were found dead in this way, that a certain farmer +suspected the Gipsies of occasioning their deaths. He therefore caused +one of these animals to be opened, and discovered a piece of wool in its +throat, with which it had been suffocated. The Gipsies, who had no +objection to creatures that die in their blood, had killed all these +sheep in the above manner. + +Horse-stealing is one of their principal crimes, and at this they are +very dextrous. When disposed to steal a horse, they select one a few +miles from their tent, and make arrangements for disposing of it at a +considerable distance, to which place they will convey it in a night. An +old and infirm man has been known to ride a stolen horse nearly fifty +miles in that time. They pass through bye-lanes, well known to them, and +thus avoid turnpikes and escape detection. + +Unless they are taught better principles than at present they possess, +and unless those on whom they impose, use their understandings, it is to +be feared that swindling also will long continue among them; for they are +so ingenious in avoiding detection. When likely to be discovered, a +change of dress enables them to remove with safety to any distance. +Instances of this kind have been innumerable. But as it is the aim of +this book to solicit a better feeling towards them, rather than expose +them to the continuation of censure, the writer will not enter into +further detail in reference to their crimes, than barely to shew the +great evils into which they have been led by many of those in high life, +who have long encouraged them in the savage practice of prize-fighting. +Pugilism has been the disgrace of our land, and our nobility and gentry +have not been ashamed to patronize it. + +Not long ago a fight took place in this county which will be a lasting +disgrace to the neighbourhood. One of the pugilists, a Gipsy, in the +pride of his heart, said during the fight, that he _never would be beaten +so long as he had life_. The poor wretch fought till not a feature of +his countenance could be seen, his head and face being swollen to a +frightful size, and his eyes quite closed. He attempted to tear them +open that he might see his antagonist; and was at last taken off the +stage. Not satisfied with this brutal scene, the spectators offered a +purse of ten guineas for another battle. This golden bait caught the eye +of another Gipsy, who, but a few months before, had ruptured a +blood-vessel in fighting. Throwing up his hat on the stage, the sign of +challenge, he was soon met with a fellow as degraded as himself, but with +much more strength and activity. He was three times laid prostrate at +the feet of his antagonist, and was taken away almost lifeless. His +conqueror put a half-crown into his hand as he was carried off, saying, +it was a little something for him to drink. About three months after +this, the author saw this poor Gipsy in his tent, in the last stage of a +consumption; but he was without any marks of true penitence. Surely the +way of wickedness is full of misery! + +What a disgrace is this demoralizing mode of amusement to our country! +Degrading to the greatest degree, it is nevertheless pursued with avidity +by all classes of people; and large bets are often depending on these +brutal exercises. Gentlemen, noblemen, and even ladies, are, on such +occasions, mixed with the most degraded part of the community. In the +instance referred to it is said, that fifty pounds were taken by +admitting carriages into the field in which the fight took place. Where +were the peace-officers at this time? Perhaps some of them spectators of +the horrid scene! + +Verily our men of rank and fortune are guilty in encouraging these +shocking practices; and they are little better than murderers, who goad +their fellow-men on to fight by the offer of money. Such persons are +frequently instruments of sending sinners, the most unprepared, into the +presence of a righteous God. What an account will they have to give when +they meet the victims of their amusement at the bar of Christ! + +The Gipsies often fight with each other at fairs, and other places where +they meet in great numbers. This is their way of settling old grudges; +but so soon as one yields, the quarrel is made up, and they repair to a +public house to renew their friendship. This forgiving spirit is a +pleasing trait in their character. + + + + +CHAP. V. Further Account of the English Gipsies. + + +It has been the lot of Gipsies in all countries to be despised, +persecuted, hated, and have the vilest things said about them. In many +cases they have too much merited the odium which they have experienced in +continental Europe; but certainly they are not deserving of universal and +unqualified contempt and hatred in this nation. The dislike they have to +rule and order has led many of them to maim themselves by cutting off a +finger, that they might not serve in either the army or the navy: and I +believe there is one instance known, of some Gipsies murdering a witness +who was to appear against some of their people for horse-stealing: the +persons who were guilty of the deed have been summoned to the bar of +Christ, and in their last moments exclaimed with horror and despair, +"Murder, murder." But these circumstances do not stamp their race +without exception as infamous monsters in wickedness. Not many years +since several of their men were hung in different places for stealing +fourteen horses near Bristol, who experienced the truth of that +scripture, _be sure your sins will find you out_. Indeed there is not a +family among them that has not to mourn over the loss of some relative +for the commission of this crime. But even in this respect their guilt +has been much over-rated; for in many cases it is to be feared they have +suffered innocently. There was formerly a reward of 40_l_ to those who +gave information of offenders, on their being capitally convicted. Those +of the lower orders, therefore, who were destitute of principle, had a +great temptation before them to swear falsely in reference to Gipsies; +and of which it is known they sometimes availed themselves, knowing that +few would befriend them. For the sake of the above sum, vulgarly, but +too justly called _blood-money_, they perjured themselves, and were much +more wicked than the people they accused. But the Gipsies were thought +to be universally depraved, and no one thought it worth his while to +investigate their innocence. Let us be thankful that many at the present +day look upon them with better feelings. + +Very lately one of these vile informers swore to having seen a Gipsy man +on a horse that had been stolen; and although it came out on the trial, +that it was night when he observed him, and that he had never seen him +before, which ought to have rendered his evidence invalid, the prisoner +was convicted and condemned to die. His life was afterwards spared by +other facts having been discovered and made known to the judge, after he +had left the city. + +The Gipsies in this country have for centuries been accused of +child-stealing; and therefore it is not to be wondered at, that, when +children have been missing, the Gipsies should be taxed with having +stolen them. About thirty years since, some parents who had lost a +child, applied to a man at Portsmouth, well known in those days, by the +name of Payne, or Pine, as an astrologer, wishing to know from him what +was become of it. He told them _to search the Gipsy tents for twenty +miles round_. The distressed parents employed constables, who made +diligent search in every direction to that distance, but to no purpose; +the child was not to be found in their camps. It was however soon +afterwards discovered, drowned in one of its father's pits, who was a +tanner. Thus was this pretended astrologer exposed to the ridicule of +those who but a short time before foolishly looked on him as an oracle. + +On another occasion the same accusation was brought against the Gipsies, +and proved to be false. The child of a widow at Portsmouth was lost, and +after every search was made on board the ships in the harbour, and at +Spithead, and the ponds dragged in the neighbourhood, to no effect, it +was concluded that the Gipsies had stolen him. The boy was found a few +years afterwards, at Kingston-upon-Thames, apprenticed to a chimney +sweeper. He had been enticed away by a person who had given him +sweet-meats; but not by a Gipsy. + +I may be allowed here to say a word about this boy's mother. She was a +good and pious woman, and had known great trials. Her husband was +drowned in her presence but a short time before she lost her son in the +mysterious way mentioned; and before he was heard of, she was removed to +the enjoyment of a better world. Her death was a very happy one, for it +took place while she was engaged in public worship. _Many are the +afflictions of the righteous_, _but the Lord delivereth them out of them +all_. + +Instances have been known of house-breakers leaving some of their stolen +goods near the tents of the Gipsies; and these being picked up by the +children, and found upon them, have been the cause of much unjust +suffering among them. The grandfather of three little orphans now under +the care of the Southampton Committee, was charged with stealing a horse, +and was condemned and executed; although the farmer of whom he bought it, +came forward and swore to the horse being the same which he had sold him. +His evidence was rejected on account of some slight mistake in the +description he gave of it. When under the gallows, the frantic Gipsy +exclaimed--_Oh God_, _if thou dost not deliver me_, _I will not believe +there is a God_! + +The following anecdote will prove the frequent oppression of this people. +Not many years since, a collector of taxes in a country town, said he had +been robbed of fifty pounds by a Gipsy; and being soon after at Blandford +in Dorsetshire, he fixed on a female Gipsy, as the person who robbed him +in company with two others, and said she was in man's clothes at the +time. They were taken up and kept in custody for some days; and had not +a farmer voluntarily come forward, and proved that they were many miles +distant when the robbery was said to be perpetrated, they would have been +tried for their lives, and probably hanged. The woman was the wife of +Wm. Stanley, (who was in custody with her,) who now reads the Scriptures +in the Gipsy tents near Southampton. Their wicked accuser was afterwards +convicted of a crime for which he was condemned to die, when he confessed +that he had not been robbed at the time referred to, but had himself +spent the whole of the sum in question. + +Another Gipsy of the name of Stanley was lately indicted at Winchester, +for house-breaking, and had not his friends at great expense proved an +_alibi_, it is likely he might have been executed. And in this way have +they been suspected and persecuted ever since the days of Henry the +Eighth. They have been hunted like wild beasts; their property has been +taken from them; themselves have been frequently imprisoned, and in many +cases their lives taken, or what to many of them would be much worse, +they have been transported to another part of the world, for ever divided +from their families and friends. + +In the days of Judge Hale, thirteen of these unhappy beings were hanged +at Bury St Edmonds, for no other cause than that they were Gipsies; and +at that time it was death without benefit of clergy, for any one to live +among them for a month. Even in later days two of the most industrious +of this people have had a small pony and two donkeys taken away merely on +suspicion that they were stolen. They were apprehended and carried +before a magistrate, to whom they proved that the animals were their own, +and that they had legally obtained them. The cattle were then pounded +for trespassing on the common, and if their oppressed owners had not had +money to defray the expenses, one of the animals must have been sold for +that purpose. + +Not long ago, one of the Gipsies was suspected of having stolen lead from +a gentleman's house. His cart was searched, but no lead being found in +his possession, he was imprisoned for three months, for living under the +hedges as a vagrant; and his horse, which was worth thirteen pounds, was +sold to meet the demands of the constables. And another Gipsy, who had +two horses in his possession, was suspected of having stolen them, but he +proved that they were legally his property. He was committed for three +months as a vagrant, and one of his horses was sold to defray the +expenses of his apprehension, examination, &c. + +While writing this part of the GIPSIES' ADVOCATE, the author knows that a +poor, aged, industrious woman, with whom he has been long acquainted, had +her donkey taken from her, and that a man with four witnesses swore that +it was his property. The poor woman told a simple, artless tale to the +magistrates, and was not fully committed. She was allowed two days to +bring forward the person of whom she bought it. Conscious of her +innocence, she was willing to risk a prison if she could recover her +donkey, and establish her character. After a great deal of trouble and +expense in dispatching messengers to bring forward her witnesses, she +succeeded in obtaining them. They had no sooner made their appearance +than the accuser and his witnesses fled, and left the donkey to the right +owner, the poor, accused and injured woman. + +It cannot be expected that oppression will ever reform this people, or +cure them of their wandering habits. Far more likely is it to confirm +them in their vagrant propensities. And as their numbers do not +decrease, oppression will only render them the dread of one part of their +fellow-creatures, while it will make them the objects of scorn and +obloquy to others. + +It is the earnest wish of the author that milder measures may be pursued +in reference to the Gipsies. To endeavour to improve their morals, and +instruct them in the principles of religion, will, under the divine +blessing, turn to better account than the hateful and oppressive policy +so long adopted. + + + + +CHAP. VI. Further Account of the English Gipsies. + + +Many persons are of opinion in reference to the Gipsies, that, if all the +parishes were alike severe in forcing them from their retreats, they +would soon find their way into towns. But if this were the case, what +advantage would they derive from it? In large towns, in their present +ignorant and depraved state, would they not be still more wicked? They +would change their condition only from bad to worse, unless they were +treated better than they now are, and could be properly employed; but +from the prejudice that exists among all classes of men against them, +this is not likely to be the case: they would not be employed by any, +while other persons could be got. At a hop plantation, so lately as +1830, Gipsies were not allowed to pick hops in some grounds, while +persons as unsettled and undeserving, were engaged for that purpose. Had +this been a parochial arrangement to benefit the poor of their own +neighbourhood, who were out of employ, it were not blameable. + +If they were driven to settle in towns, and could not, generally +speaking, obtain employment, it might soon become necessary to remove all +their children to their own parishes; a measure not only very unhappy in +itself, but one to which the Gipsies would never submit. Sooner would +they die than suffer their children to go to the parish workhouses. + +The severe and unchristian-like treatment they meet with from many, only +obliges them to travel further, and often drives them to commit greater +depredations. When driven by the constables from their station, they +retire to a more solitary place in another parish, and there remain till +they are again detected, and again mercilessly driven away. But this +severity does not accomplish the end it has in view; their numbers remain +the same, and they retain the same dislike to the crowded haunts of man. +For they only visit towns in small parties, offering trifling wares for +sale, or telling fortunes; and this is done to gain a present support. + +In this neighbourhood there was lately a sweeping of the commons and +lanes of the Gipsy families. Their horses and donkeys were driven off, +and the sum of 3 pounds 5_s_ levied on them as a fine to pay the +constables for thus afflicting them. In one tent during this distressing +affair, there was found an unburied child, that had been scalded to +death, its parents not having money to defray the expenses of its +interment. The constables declared that it would make any heart ache to +see the anguish the poor people were in, when thus inhumanly driven from +their resting places; but, said they, _We were obliged to do our duty_. +To the credit of these men, thirteen in number, it should be mentioned, +that, with only one exception, they returned the fines to the people; and +one of them, who is a carpenter, offered a coffin for the unburied child, +should the parish be unwilling to bury it. + +In this instance of their affliction and grief, the propensity to accuse +these poor creatures was strongly marked by a report charging them with +having dug a grave on the common in which to bury it; a circumstance very +far from their feelings and general habits. The fact was, some person +had been digging holes in search of gravel, and these poor creatures +pitched their tent just by one of them. + +It was supposed by many in this neighbourhood, that the poor wretches +thus driven away, were gone out of the country; but this was not the +case. They had only retired to more lonely places in smaller parties, +and were all seen again a few days after at a neighbouring fair. This +circumstance is sufficient to prove that they are not to be reclaimed by +prosecutions and fines. It is therefore high time the people of England +should adopt more merciful measures towards them in endeavouring to bring +them into a more civilized state. The money spent in sustaining +prosecutions against them, if properly applied, would accomplish this +great and benevolent work. And without flattering any of its members, +the author thinks the Committee at Southampton have discovered plans, +wholly different to those usually adopted, which may prove much more +effectual in accomplishing their reformation; for by these plans being +put in prudent operation, many have already ceased to make the lanes and +commons their home; and their minds are becoming enlightened and their +characters religious. + +In concluding this chapter it may not be improper to remark, that, bad as +may be the character of any of our fellow-creatures, it is very +lamentable that they should suffer for crimes of which individually they +are not guilty. Let us hope that, in reference to this people, unjust +executions have ceased; that people will be careful in giving evidence +which involves the rights, liberties, and lives of their +fellow-creatures, though belonging to the unhappy tribes of Gipsies; and +above all, let us hope, that such measures will be pursued by the good +and benevolent of this highly favoured land, as will place them in +situations where they will learn to fear God, and support themselves +honestly in the sight of all men. + + + + +CHAP. VII. Of the formation of the Southampton Committee, and the +success that has attended its endeavours. + + +Although the Gipsies, on account of their unsettled habits, their +disposition to evil practices, and that ignorance of true religion, which +is inseparably connected with a life remote from all the forms of +external worship, and from the influence of religious society, may be +said to be in a most lamentably wretched state; yet is their condition +not desperate. They are rational beings, and have many feelings +honourable to human nature. They are not as the heathens of other +countries, addicted to any system of idolatry; and what is of infinite +encouragement, they inhabit a land of Bibles and of Christian ministers; +and, although at present, they derive so little benefit from these +advantages, there are many of them willing to receive instruction. The +following details, to which I gladly turn, will shew that, when _patient_ +and _persevering_ means are used, Gipsies may be brought to know God; and +no body of people were ever yet converted to Christianity without means. +The following circumstances gave rise to the idea of forming a society +for the improvement of this people. + +In March, 1827, during the Lent Assizes, the author was in Winchester, +and wishing to speak with the sheriff's chaplain, he went to the court +for that purpose. He happened to enter just as the judge was passing +sentence of death on two unhappy men. To one he held out the hope of +mercy; but to the other, _a poor Gipsy_, who was convicted of +horse-stealing, he said, _no hope could be given_. The young man, for he +was but a youth, immediately fell on his knees, and with uplifted hands +and eyes, apparently unconscious of any persons being present but the +judge and himself, addressed him as follows: "_Oh_! _my Lord_, _save my +life_!" The judge replied, "_No_; _you can have no mercy in this world_: +_I and my brother judges have come to the determination to execute +horse-stealers_, _especially Gipsies_, _because of the increase of the +crime_." The suppliant, still on his knees, entreated--"_Do_, _my Lord +Judge_, _save my life_! _do_, _for God's sake_, _for my wife's sake_, +_for my baby's sake_!" "_No_," replied the judge, "_I cannot_: _you +should have thought of your wife and children before_." He then ordered +him to be taken away, and the poor fellow was _rudely dragged_ from his +earthly judge. It is hoped, as a penitent sinner, he obtained the more +needful mercy of God, through the abounding grace of Christ. After this +scene, the author could not remain in court. As he returned, he found +the mournful intelligence had been communicated to some Gipsies who had +been waiting without, anxious to learn the fate of their companion. They +seemed distracted. + +On the outside of the court, seated on the ground, appeared an old woman, +and a very young one, and with them two children, the eldest three years, +and the other an infant but fourteen days old. The former sat by its +mother's side, alike unconscious of her bitter agonies, and of her +father's despair. The old woman held the infant tenderly in her arms, +and endeavoured to comfort its weeping mother, soon to be a widow under +circumstances the most melancholy. _My dear_, _don't cry_, said she, +_remember you have this dear little baby_. Impelled by the sympathies of +pity and a sense of duty, the author spoke to them on the evil of sin, +and expressed his hope that the melancholy event would prove a warning to +them, and to all their people. The poor man was executed about a +fortnight after his condemnation. + +This sad scene, together with Hoyland's Survey of the Gipsies, which the +author read about this time, combined to make a deep impression on his +mind, and awaken an earnest desire which has never since decreased, to +assist and improve this greatly neglected people. The more he +contemplated their condition and necessities, the difficulties in the way +of their reformation continued to lessen, and his hope of success, in +case any thing could be done for them, became more and more confirmed. +He could not forget the poor young widow whom he had seen in such deep +distress at Winchester, and was led to resolve, if he should meet her +again, to offer to provide for her children. + +Some weeks elapsed before he could hear any thing of her, till one day he +saw the old woman sitting on the ground at the entrance of Southampton, +with the widow's infant on her knee. "Where is your daughter?" he +inquired. "Sir," she replied, "She is my niece; she is gone into the +town." "Will you desire her to call at my house?" "I will, sir," said +the poor old woman, to whom the author gave his address. + +In about an hour after this conversation, the widow and her aunt +appeared. After inviting them to sit down, he addressed the young woman +thus:--"My good woman, you are now a poor widow, and I wished to see you, +to tell you that I would be your friend. I will take your children, if +you will let me have them, and be a father to them, and educate them; +and, when old enough to work, will have them taught some honest trade." +"Thank you, sir," said she; "but I don't like to part with my children. +The chaplain at the prison offered to take my oldest, and to send her to +London to be taken care of; but I could not often see her there." I +replied, "I commend you for not parting with her, unless you could +occasionally see her; for I suppose you love your children dearly." "Oh! +yes, sir," said the widow. The old aunt also added, "Our people set +great store by their children." "Well," I replied, "I do not wish you to +determine on this business hastily; it is a weighty one. You had better +take a fortnight for consideration, and then give me a second call." + +How improbable did it then appear that this interview would ultimately +lead to so much good to many of her people! When the fortnight expired, +the widow and her aunt again appeared, when the following conversation +took place. "I am glad you are come again," said their friend. "Yes," +replied the widow, "and I will now let you have my Betsy;" and the aunt +immediately added, pointing to one of her grand-children, "I will let you +have my little _deary_, if you will take care of her. Her father," +continued she, "was condemned to die, but is transported for life, and +her mother now lives with another man." The proposal was readily +accepted; and three days after, these two children were brought washed +very clean, and dressed in their best clothes. It was promised the +women, that they should see their children whenever they chose, and all +parties were pleased. The eldest of these children was six years of age; +the widow's little daughter, only three. The first day they amused +themselves with running up and down stairs, and through the rooms of the +house. But when put to bed at night, they cried for two hours, saying +that the house would fall upon them. They had never spent a day in a +house before, and were at night like birds that had been decoyed, and +then robbed of their liberty. A few kisses and some promises at length +quieted them, and they went to sleep. + +After remaining with the author three days, they were removed to one of +the Infants' Schools, where they were often visited by the widow and her +aunt. Soon after this the eldest girl was taken ill. A medical +gentleman attended her at the tent, a little way from the town, whither +her grandmother had begged to remove her for change of air. But the +sickness of this child _was unto death_. She was a lovely and +affectionate girl, notwithstanding the disadvantages under which she had +necessarily laboured. When on her bed, in the tent, suffering much pain, +she was asked by a gentleman, "Although you love Mr Crabb so much, would +you rather live with him, or die, and go to Jesus?" She answered, "I +would rather die and go to Jesus." Her death very much affected her +grandmother. She would not leave the corpse, which she often +affectionately embraced, till persuaded she would endanger her own life. +This appeared a melancholy event to all who wished well to the Gipsies in +the neighbourhood of Southampton. For the widow, fearing her child would +become ill and die too, immediately removed her from the school. And +many of the Gipsy people treated the women with great contempt, for +giving up their children; and the prospects of doing them lasting good, +became very much beclouded. It was however represented to them, that God +was doing all things for the best, and their spirits were soothed; and in +consequence, the little fatherless girl was again brought to the school. + +After this event, the women remained a considerable time in the +neighbourhood, waiting to see if the little one, again given up to the +author, would be kindly treated. By this detention they were often +brought into the company of good people, whose kindness gained their +confidence. They began to listen to invitations to settle in the town, +and finally determined on doing so. Even the _old_ woman, who had lived +under hedges for fifty years, and who had declared but a short time +before, that she would not leave her tent for a palace, now gladly +occupied a house; this greatly encouraged their friends, who well knew +that it was not a small sacrifice, for a Gipsy to give up what is thought +by them to be their liberty. + +A short time before these women removed from under the hedges, the sister +of the unhappy man who had been executed, came out of Dorsetshire with +her three children, on her way to Surry, where she had been accustomed to +go to hop-picking. Encamping under the same hedge with the widow and her +aunt, she was seen by the author in one of his visits to them. He found +them one evening about six o'clock at dinner, and took his seat near +them; and while they were regaling themselves with broiled meat, +potatoes, and tea, the following interesting conversation took place. + +"Sir," said the widow, "this is my sister and her children." No one +could have introduced this woman and her little ones with more easy +simplicity than she did, while, by the smile on her swarthy countenance, +she exhibited real heartfelt pleasure. "I am glad to see you, my good +woman;" said the author, "are these your children?" "Yes, sir," replied +she, very cheerfully. "And where are you going?" "I am going into +Surry, sir." "Have you not many difficulties to trouble you in your way +of life?" "Yes, sir," answered she. The author continued, "I wish you +would let me have your children to provide for and educate." "Not I, +indeed," she replied sharply; "others may part with their children, if +they like, but I will never part with mine." "Well, my good woman, the +offer to educate them has done no harm: let me hope it will do good. I +would have you recollect that you have now a proposal made you of +bettering their present and future condition. You and I must soon meet +at the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of this meeting; and +you know that I can do better for your little ones than you can." She +was silent. The author then addressed these people and left the tents. + +The next day he visited the camp again, when the widow woman said, "Sir, +my sister was so _cut up_ (putting her hand to her heart), with what you +said last night, that she could not eat any more, and declared she felt +as she never had done before; and she has determined to come and live +with us at Michaelmas." What was still better, in consequence of what +was said to this poor stranger, she did not go to the races, although she +had stopped near Southampton for that purpose. + +From this time endeavours were made to confirm the woman's intentions to +stay at Southampton, and to place her children with the other. She was +asked, why she would not stay at Southampton then? "Why, to tell you the +truth," said she, "for it's no use to tell a lie about that, I don't want +to bring my children to you, like vagabonds; and as we shall earn a good +_bit_ of money at hopping, I shall buy them some clothes; and then, if +you will take me a room at Michaelmas, I will surely return and live in +Southampton, and my children shall go to school; but I will never give +them up entirely." She continued with her sister till the house which +had been taken for the latter was ready; during which time a gentleman +from Ireland, then living near the encampment, had her children every day +to his house, and taught them to read. The remembrance of him will be +precious to them for ever. She came on the day appointed, and her +children were put to the Infants' School, where they have continued ever +since, clean and respectable, and very diligent in their learning. They +often explain the Scriptures to their mother. One of them has long been +a monitor in the school. May she continue a credit to the institution in +which she has been so far educated. + +Although the mother of these children is not yet decidedly pious, she is +very much improved. She is now able to read her Testament with tolerable +ease, takes great pleasure in receiving instruction, and we hope is +deeply impressed with the importance of personal religion. She attends +public worship diligently, and loves Christians, whom she once hated. +She weeps with abhorrence over past crimes, and says she would rather +have her hands cut off, than do as she has done. For more than twelve +months after living at Southampton, she continued occasionally to tell +fortunes for the gain it brought her. But a remarkable dream led her to +see the wickedness of this practice; for it so terrified her that she +rose from her bed, lighted a fire, and burnt the book in which she had +pretended to see the fortune of others. Large sums of money had been +offered her for this volume; but, though in extreme poverty, she +determined to make any sacrifice, rather than enrich herself by its sale. +She dreamed that she was at the adult school, where she regularly +attended, and, that while she was reading her Testament, it changed into +a book of divination, and she began to tell the fortune of the lady who +was teaching her; and while thus employed, she thought she heard awful +thunderings, and the sound of trumpets; after which a tremendous tempest +ensued, during which she fancied herself in an extensive plain, exposed +to all the fury of the storm. She then thought the day of judgment was +come, and that she was summoned to render up her account. She awoke in +great terror, and as soon as she had a little recovered herself, arose +and followed the example of those we read of in the Acts of the +Apostles:--_And many of them which also used curious arts_, _brought +their books together_, _and burned them before all men_; _and they +counted the price of them_, _and found fifty thousand pieces silver_. +Acts xix. 19. + +When relating this dream to a lady, she was asked whether she had +formerly been in the habit of seeking by any means, the aid of the devil, +in order to know future events; it having been asserted that many of the +Gipsies had done so. She informed the lady that she never had done so, +and that she thought none of her people had any thing to do with him, +otherwise than by giving themselves up to do wickedly. The devil tempted +them to do still worse; as those who neglect to seek to God for help, +must of course be under the power of the wicked one. + + + + +CHAP. VIII. Of the plans pursued by the Southampton Committee, and the +success which has attended them, continued. + + +Sixteen reformed Gipsies are now living at Southampton, one of whom is +the aged Gipsy whose history has been published by a lady. {72} There +are also her brother and four of his children, her sister, who has been a +wanderer for more than fifty years, and her daughter, three orphans, and +a boy who has been given up to the Committee by his mother, a woman and +her three children, and the young woman before mentioned, who has, since +her reformation, lost her two children by the measles. + +In addition to those who have retired from a wandering life, and are +pursuing habits of honest industry, three other families, whose united +number is sixteen, begged the privilege of wintering with us in the +beginning of 1831. These Gipsies regularly attended divine service twice +on a Sunday, and on the work-day evenings the adults went to school to +learn to read. The children were placed at one of the Infants' Schools. +The prospects of doing one of the families lasting good, are rather dark, +as they are grown old and hardened in crime; but the condition of the +others is more encouraging. The children, who would gladly have stayed +longer with us, were sickly; and it is apprehended, had not this been the +case, the parents would have continued longer, that they might have gone +to school. Two women, mother and daughter, in one family, are much +interested in the worship of God, and already begin to feel the value of +their souls; and both regret that they are under the necessity of +submitting to the arbitrary will of the father. One of them declared +that she could never more act as a Gipsy, and with weeping eyes she said, +that, she feared she never should be pardoned, or saved. When directed +to go to Jesus, she replied, she knew not how to go to him. In three +days they will leave us, and it will be a painful separation. It was +very gratifying to the author to see so many Gipsies attend the house of +God, and he frequently recollected with pleasure, that promise of holy +Scripture, _For as the rain cometh down_, _and the snow from heaven_, +_and returneth not thither_, _but watereth the earth_, _and maketh it +bring forth and bud_, _that it may give seed to the sower_, _and bread to +the eater_: _so shall my word be that goeth forth of my mouth_: _it shall +not return unto me void_, _but it shall accomplish that which I please_, +_and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it_. _For ye shall go +out with joy_, _and be led forth with peace_; _the mountains and the +hills shall break forth before you into singing_, _and all the trees of +the field shall clap their hands_. _Instead of the thorn shall come up +the __fur tree_, _and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle +tree_: _and it stall be to the Lord for a name_, _for an everlasting sign +that shall not be cut off_. + +Six of the children are at an Infants' School at Southampton, and three +others attend a charity school; and another is learning to be a coach +wheelwright. This youth has behaved so well in his situation, that he +has been advanced by his master to a higher branch in the business. His +fellow-workmen, who at first disliked him for being a Gipsy, have +subscribed money to assist him in the purchase of additional tools, to +which the foreman added five shillings, and the master _one pound_. This +is a most encouraging circumstance. + +The aged man who has been so many years reformed, is a basket maker. He +often visits his brethren in their tents, under the direction of the +Committee, to give advice and instruction. His sister, lately reclaimed, +takes care of the six Gipsy children, and is become very serious and +industrious; and though in the decline of life, she receives but one +shilling per week from the Committee. Two instances of the gratitude of +this woman ought not to be omitted. + +The author's horse having strayed from the field, a sovereign was offered +to any one who would bring it back to him. Several persons sought for it +in vain. This old Gipsy woman was sent in quest of it, and in two days +returned with the horse. Of course she was offered the sovereign that +had been named as a reward; but she refused to take it, saying, she owed +the author more than that; yea, all that she had, for the comfort she was +then enjoying. This was the language of an honest and grateful heart. +On being compelled to take it, she bought herself some garments for the +winter. + +On another occasion, when she was coming from some place which she had +visited, and was detained on the road longer than she had expected, she +became penniless; yet would she not beg, lest it might be looked on as +one step towards turning back to habits she had entirely abandoned. She +assured the author that she would rather have starved than return to her +old trade of begging; and besides, added she, "the people know that I am +one of your reformed Gipsies, and I will never bring a reproach upon my +best friends." + +The young widow was taught to make shoes; but becoming depressed in +spirits after the death of her children, she has been placed in service. +And another young Gipsy woman has also obtained a situation as a servant. + +But while the Committee has had to rejoice over the success that has +attended its efforts, it has also experienced great and manifold +disappointments. But its members are not discouraged, and it is hoped +they never will be. + +One young woman stayed with the Committee a month, and then ran away. +She was lamentably ignorant, and could never be brought to work. {75} +Another very promising in temper and habits, stayed in a family three +months, and then left them to live again with her parents, who encouraged +her to believe that she would be married to one of her clan. It may be +hoped the knowledge she gained while in service may be useful to her at +some future time. She is not, cannot be happy, and is sorry that she +left her service and her friends. The father and mother have promised to +stay in Southampton through the next winter, which they will be +encouraged to do, with the hope of gaining instruction in the truths of +religion. + +A woman, her four sons, and their grandmother, {76} joined the family of +reformed Gipsies for a short time, and we had considerable hopes of them +all, the two eldest boys excepted, who refused to work, and who grew much +more vicious than when under the hedges. Their father had formerly been +sentenced to death, but by the interest of a friend, the sentence was +changed to fourteen years' hard labour on board the hulks at Portsmouth, +nearly nine of which had expired at the time his family came under the +direction of the Committee. His wife intimating that if they were to +apply for his release, it might be granted, and that then he might govern +the boys, and make them work, his liberty was obtained. But within three +days afterwards, he declared he would not constrain any of his children +to labour; they might do it or not, as they pleased. And, in the course +of the week, he took them all away and went to Brighton. + +A lady then staying at that place, and who had known this family at +Southampton, sent to the place where the Gipsies usually encamp, hoping +to recall some of them to a sense of their duty, but was informed that +the whole of the party had set off a few days before. Early on the +following morning, a Gipsy called at the house of this lady, and offered +to tell the fortunes of the servants. She was asked if she knew the +woman who was enquired for the preceding day? She replied, that _she was +the very person_. On hearing by whose servant she was addressed, she +became almost speechless with shame, and said, _I would rather have met +the king_. On recovering, she expressed great delight and gratitude that +she was not forgotten by the lady, and declared she had been very unhappy +since she had left Southampton, and that the sin of fortune-telling +greatly distressed her mind; but that she knew not how to support her +family without it. They had undergone many hardships. The little boys, +she said, had frequently amused themselves with trying to spell the +different things about their tent, and were often wishing for their +Southampton fire. The next morning she brought them to see their kind +benefactress. The youngest of them, a fine promising boy, both as to +talent and disposition, was overjoyed at the meeting; his little eyes +were filled with tears, and he could scarcely speak. He and his brother +were immediately provided with clothing, and sent to the School of +Industry; where, in addition to the religious instruction given them, +they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, digging, &c. Their master +has been much pleased with their progress. The mother was afterwards +induced to stay at Brighton, being allowed a small sum weekly. She has +been taught to read by some kind friends, and many hopes are entertained +of her conversion to God. A letter has lately been received, which gives +a very interesting account of her increase in knowledge and improvement +in morals. + +A very promising Gipsy youth, who was placed with a coach-maker in +Southampton, after working some time, cut his hand, and then relinquished +his employment, to wander with his father, who is a rat-catcher. But it +is hoped that he, as well as others of his brethren who have returned to +their former courses, will be brought back, or find some other desirable +and permanent abode; that what has been done by this society may not +ultimately be lost. Indeed, while writing this, I am happy to be able to +state, that the morals of this young man appear very correct, and that he +has, by constant application, learned to read tolerably well since he +left Southampton. He supports himself by selling brushes, lines, and +corks, but talks very seriously of giving up his wandering habits to +return to us again. + +Among the reclaimed Gipsies are three women who were notorious +fortune-tellers, and who doubtless have done much injury to the morals of +society. They are now very promising; and there is a fair prospect of +their children being saved from much sin and misery, as they are placed +at Infants' Schools, where they are gradually acquiring useful scriptural +knowledge, and correctness of habits; in which, if they persevere, by the +grace of the Redeemer, their present and everlasting welfare will be +secured. Such examples of success amply repay the Committee for the +trouble and expense already bestowed on the Gipsies; and it is hoped its +members will be stimulated to every exertion in their power by the good +done to those in a state of reformation and improvement, that the whole +wandering race may be led into the right way. + + + + +CHAP. IX. Of the plans pursued by the Southampton Committee, and the +success which has attended them, continued. + + +A gipsy woman, of whose reformation we have already taken some notice, +having gone to solicit the assistance of the parish to which one of her +children belonged, met with many difficulties and troubles. She was not +at this time destitute of the knowledge of religion. She had learned to +read, and had become acquainted with the Scriptures, at an adult school, +and by attending at a place of worship; and these instructions were not +thrown away on her; for although she was frequently invited to eat and +drink in the tents of the Gipsies on her journey, she conscientiously +refused, fearing that what they were partaking of might not be honestly +obtained. She informed them that her Testament had taught her better +habits than those she had formerly known. Her children helped to keep +alive her religious impressions. They often talked to her about the +school from which she had taken them, of their lessons, and the +observations of the master and mistress, on different parts of the +Scriptures, and at other times they catechised each other on the objects +that presented themselves on the road, in the same way they had been used +to in the Infants' Schools; to which they often begged their mother to +let them return. These circumstances, she has since said, made her so +miserable that she felt she _could not live as she had done_. + +Some time after this, she made a visit to a parish in which another of +her children was born, near Basingstoke. She entered the cottage of an +old couple who sold fruit, &c. Tea being proposed, the old woman +expressed her surprise that she had not seen her visitor for so long a +time, saying she was glad she was come, as she wanted her to tell her +many things, meaning future events. She mentioned a great deal that +another Gipsy woman had told her, on which the reformed one +exclaimed--_Don't believe her_, _dame_. _It is all lies_. _She knows no +more about it than you do_. _If you trust to what she says_, _you will +be deceived_. The old woman was still more surprised, and asked _how +she_, who had so often told their fortunes, and had promised them such +good luck, could be so much altered? The woman taking her Testament from +her bosom, replied, "I have learned from this blessed book, and from my +kind friends, _that all liars shall have their portion in the lake that +burneth with brimstone and fire_; and rather than tell fortunes again, I +would starve." She then opened her book and began reading a chapter, +endeavouring to explain as she read, at which her host and hostess began +to weep. She told them that though she knew she had been a great sinner, +and was one still, yet she never had felt so happy as then. The old +woman observed, that _she_ could not say _she was happy_, and wished to +know what she must do to feel happy. The Gipsy replied, you must leave +off selling on Sundays, and go to a place of worship, and learn to read +the Testament, and to pray, and _then_ you will become happy. + +This poor Gipsy woman, who was so anxious to instruct those she had many +times deceived, was soon after taken sick, at which time her distress of +soul was very great; and she then said, were she to die, her _soul could +not go to heaven_. + +Many were her temptations, while in great poverty, to renew the practice +of fortune-telling. Several genteel parties have visited her, and +sometimes offered her gold, tempting her to begin again the sins she had +for ever given up; but, much to her credit, she at all times resolutely +refused all such unholy gain. + +At one time some very gay young women called on her, desiring to have +their fortunes told. Her Testament lay on the table, which she had but a +short time before been reading, and pointing to it, she said--_That +book_, _and that only_, _will tell your fortunes_; _for it is God's +book_; _it is his own word_. She reproved them for their sin, and said, +the Bible had told her, _all unrighteousness is sin_. They then +requested she would not tell any one that they had called upon her. She +replied--_Oh_! _you fear man more than God_! + +A few days since, this reformed woman was sweeping the pavement in front +of her house, when two female servants came up, enquiring for the house +of the fortune-teller; mourning over them for their folly, she said--_My +dears_, _she cannot tell your fortunes_. _I have been a professed +fortune-teller_, _and have deceived hundreds_. She succeeded in +persuading them to go home. + +At a meeting of Gipsies held at a gentleman's house, Jan. 1830, the +youngest child of this woman said to her mother, _Mammy_, _who be all +these folks_? The mother replied, _They are Gipsies_. _Was_ I _ever +like 'em_? asked the child. _Yes_, said the mother, _you was once a poor +little Gipsy without stockings and shoes_, _and glad to beg a halfpenny +of any body_. It is a circumstance not to be lamented, that the +condition even of a little child, has been so much bettered by the +exertions of the Committee. + +In addition to the encouragement afforded us by this woman, giving up +with so much decision the practice of fortune-telling, the author must +not forget to mention an instance of her forbearance of temper under +provocation and outrage. She had, when a vagrant, a quarrel with some of +her ignorant people of another tribe. Meeting with them after her +reformation, she was severely beaten by them, and had her ear-drops torn +from her ears, while they contemptuously called her _Methodist_. When +asked, why she did not bring her persecutors to justice, she replied, +_How can I be forgiven_, _if I do not forgive_? _That is what my +Testament tells me_. + +The young widow we have before mentioned, continued to tell fortunes for +some time after we had taken her children; but it pleased the Holy Spirit +to awaken her conscience, and to shew her the wickedness of such crimes, +by which she was led to true repentance and reformation of character. + +After the death of both the children of this interesting individual, she +went into the service of a kind and pious lady in London. For this +situation she was prepared by one of equal benevolence in Southampton, +who had her for some time in her own house for that purpose. She +continued in this situation till the lady's death, and has since been in +other service, where she has conducted herself so well as to prove she is +become a sincere servant of Christ. + + + + +CHAP. X. Some Remarks on the Sin of Fortune-telling. + + +The author will be pardoned, he is willing to hope, by the kind reader, +if he digress in one or two paragraphs in this part of his work, +purposely to expose the great wickedness of prognostication and +fortune-telling; as the whole is not only unsound, foolish, absurd and +false, but is most peremptorily forbidden in the Scriptures. + +In the law of Moses it is commanded, that there should not be found among +the people, any that used divination, or that was an observer of the +times, or that was an enchanter: Deut. xiii. 10. In the prophecies of +Malachi, the Lord has declared--_Thou shalt have no more soothsayers_: +Mal. v. 12. Balaam and Balak were cursed of the Lord of Hosts; the +former for using enchantments, and the latter for employing Balaam in +this wicked work. _Woe to them that devise iniquity_: Micah, ii. 1. +Those who employ unhappy Gipsy women, should think on the portion of the +liar; Rev. xxi. 8: for the person who tempts another to utter falsehood +by offering rewards, is equally guilty before God. _A companion of fools +shall be destroyed_: Prov. xiii. 20. _Though hand join in hand_, in sin, +_the wicked shall not go unpunished_: Prov. xvi. 5. _The destruction of +the transgressors and the sinners shall be together_: Isai. i. 28. It +may be safely affirmed that the sin of those persons, who trifle with +Gipsy women in having their fortunes told by them, nearly resembles that +of the first king of Israel; who, by consulting, in his trouble, a wicked +woman, who pretended to supernatural power, filled up the measure of +those sins, by which he lost the protection of heaven, his crown, and his +life, and by which he involved his family in the most ruinous calamity. + +Reader, have you encouraged any of these people in such crimes? If you +have so far forgotten yourselves, the commands of God, and the curse that +awaits you and those who deceive themselves the same way; reflect, before +it be too late, on the evil into which you have willingly, wilfully, and +without the least reasonable excuse, fallen, and on the guilt that must +of necessity attach to your consciences thereby. Should you never meet +those you encouraged to sin in this world, and therefore never have an +opportunity of warning them of their danger, yet must you meet at the bar +of Christ; and if then loaded with the weight of the sin in question, how +awful will be your condition! Yourself and a fellow creature turned out +for ever from God, and heaven, and hope! You may find mercy _now_, if +you, by faith in the Redeemer, _seek for it_; and who can tell but if you +sincerely pray for those you led into sin, but that the mercy of which +you part take, may find out them! May it even be so, to your everlasting +comfort! + +Some have supposed that this contemptible practice was first introduced +into Europe by the Gipsies: but such persons are greatly mistaken. In +the dark ages of superstition, in which this wandering people came to our +part of the world, prognostication and fortune-telling were carried on to +an infinite extent; and so enraged were the deceivers of those days +against the Gipsies, that they proclaimed they knew nothing of the _art_; +that they were deceivers and impostors. + +It were well if the Gipsies were _now_ the only persons addicted to such +wickedness; but this is not the case; for it is well known that almost +every town is cursed with an astrological, magical, or slight-of-hand +fortune-teller. There are two now in Southampton; and their wretched +abodes are visited not only by vain and ignorant servants, but often by +those who belong to the higher circles, and not unfrequently by those who +drive their carriages. + +To conclude this chapter, it may be safely said, that the sort of +wickedness in question, is not only forbidden in the Scriptures, and will +add much to the guilt of an impenitent death; but that it is calculated +to give us the most airy anticipations, or oppress us with the most +unreasonable despair. _Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof_; why +should we then afflict ourselves about ill-fortune in future years? If +we _seek_, as the first great object of life, _the kingdom of heaven_, +_all _[necessary] _things shall be added_. And why should we deceive +ourselves with gay and splendid expectations? _Riches make themselves +wings and soon fly away_. + + + + +CHAP. XI. Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent for promoting a +Reformation among the Gipsies. + + +As no event happens without a cause, so no good is accomplished without +means. It is in the power of man as an instrument, frequently to make +his fellow-creatures either happy or miserable. And it may safely be +asserted, that much of the ignorance, depravity, and consequent misery +found in the world, are occasioned by the want of a united and +persevering application of the energies of Christians, to the reformation +of the most debased classes of Society. This backwardness to perform +that which is good, with respect to our fellow men, must be accounted +for, by the want of faith in God's word, and the little influence we +allow the religion of the Saviour to have on our own hearts. It may also +be occasioned by the strong evidences we have of the corruption of human +nature, and the little good we see attend the labours of others: and we +are often likewise discouraged because our own efforts fail. On these +accounts, how often do we sigh for opportunities of doing good, whilst we +neglect the openings of Providence in little things, which would +frequently lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness. Dr +Johnson used to say, "He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, +will never do any." Good is done by degrees. However small in +proportion the benefit which follows _individual attempts_ to do good, a +great deal may thus be accomplished by perseverance, even in the midst of +discouragements and disappointments. The first missionaries who visited +England, had to contend with all the frightful cruelties of savage life, +and the more horrid rites of Druidical worship. But now, though much +wickedness abounds in England, it is, in a religious point of view, the +paradise of the earth. May all those who wish to diffuse the genuine +influences of Christianity among the poor Gipsies, imitate the example of +the adorable Saviour, who _made himself of no reputation_, that he might +enlighten the most ignorant, and impart happiness to the most miserable. + +It will not be denied that the Gipsies are capable of feeling the +influence, and appreciating the worth of the Gospel: and no one will +doubt that the earlier the plans are adopted for their improvement, the +sooner will this desirable work be accomplished. + +The reader is requested to pay particular attention to the following +suggestions. + +The establishment of an Institution to supply instruction to the Gipsies +by regular Ministers, or Missionaries, would be of but little use. +Indeed such a measure could scarcely be carried into effect. For the +Gipsies, beside associating in very small companies, are perpetually +driven from place to place. To supply them, therefore, with regular +instruction, a preacher would be necessary to every family; who would +condescend to their mode of life, travel when they travelled, rest when +they rested, and be content with the ground and straw for his bed, and a +blanket tent for his covering! All this would subject them to great +personal inconvenience, and at the same time be very expensive and highly +improper. Neither would it be possible for ministers to be appointed +occasionally and alternately to visit the Gipsies in different counties. +For it might often happen that, before intelligence could be forwarded to +those appointed to give them instruction, they might be removed by a +peace officer, or have set out on a journey of several miles distance. +Benevolent, zealous, and prudent persons may do much by visiting the +camps near towns; and the most suitable parts of the day for promoting +this object, are morning and evening. But the most simple and easy plans +of instruction should invariably be adopted. + +To those persons who are afraid of visiting the Gipsies, lest they should +be insulted, abused, and robbed, the author may be allowed to say that +they have not the least grounds for such fears. In Scotland this fear is +quite as general among the religious people as it is in England; and in +that country the inhabitants are even afraid to prosecute them for their +depredations and crimes. In England ladies are frequently known to visit +their camps singly, when more than a mile from towns, and to sit and read +and converse with them for a considerable time, with the greatest +confidence and safety. + +There is not the least prospect of doing them good, by forcing +instruction upon them. About the year 1748, the Empress Theresa +attempted the improvement of the Gipsies in Germany, by taking away, by +force, all their children of a certain age, in order to educate and +protect them; but such an unnatural and arbitrary mode of benevolence, +defeated its own object; and this is not to be wondered at: the souls of +the free resist every effort of compulsion, whether the object be good or +bad. Compulsatory instruction, therefore, would do no good among the +Gipsies. But they are easily won by kindness, and whoever wishes really +to benefit them, must convince them that this is his intention, by +patiently bearing with the unpleasing parts of their characters, and by a +willingness to lessen their distresses so far as it is in his power. +Such kindness will never be lost upon them. Nor would the author +recommend their being encouraged to live in Towns, except they are truly +desirous of leading a new life, as it is almost certain that their morals +would be greatly corrupted thereby: and they would be capable of more +extensive injury to society, should they take to their wandering habits +again. + +A correspondent of a friend of the author, has just communicated the +following particulars, which prove the truth of the above remarks. + +There is in the neighbourhood of Harz, at Nordausen, a colony of Gipsies, +to whom a Missionary has been sent from Berlin. His last letter speaks +very favourably of their disposition to receive the word of life. The +manner of his introduction to them was by no means likely to ensure him a +favourable reception. "Here," said the person who brought him among +them, "you have a Missionary, who is come to convert you; now mind and be +converted, or you shall go to prison." The effect this foolish speech +produced on the Gipsies may be easily imagined, and likewise how useless +it rendered the situation of the Missionary who desired to labour among +them. They took to flight whenever they saw him approach, and thus, +humanly speaking, there appeared not the least prospect of success, as +the seed of the word could not so much as be sown. But HE, who alone is +able to turn the heart, mercifully looked upon the work, and directed him +to the right means effectually to bring it about. + +The Gipsies were obliged to cultivate the land on which they were +permitted to reside; but being quite ignorant of agriculture, they were +at a loss how to proceed. The missionary undertook himself to give them +advice and assistance in the work. Seeing the success that attended his +labours, they began to be much more diligent in the cultivation of their +grounds, while their confidence daily increased in their missionary, and +they became more accessible and willing to be taught. At last they asked +him for what reason the people at Berlin had sent him among them? and +when he told them, they were overpowered with gratitude, and melted into +tears. Their attachment to him and the friends who had sent him, became +stronger and stronger. In some cases, it may be true, the conquest of +their prejudices against the missionary, might proceed from the +advantages they reaped by attending to his advice; and this is much to +their credit, and is a most desirable improvement. It is hoped they will +soon be led to attend sincerely to his religious instructions. + +A gentleman resident in one of the towns of Hampshire, was agreeably +surprised one sabbath morning, by seeing a number of Gipsies at public +worship; and on being induced to converse with them, was pleased to find +that they regularly attended divine service at Southampton, and other +places. He directed them to move their tents into a more commodious +situation in one of his own fields. This unusual act of kindness, which +however required no great sacrifice on his part, made so deep an +impression on the hearts of this people, as is not likely to be +forgotten: they will speak of his kindness as long as they live. This, +as well as the instances we have mentioned already in this work, and many +more which we may not notice, shew that we are not without opportunities +of observing their gratitude for those favours that have been bestowed +upon them. + +They receive with willingness one of their own people, who is now a +reformed and pious character, living at Southampton, and whom we have +named in a former page. They now rejoice, too, in the assurance that a +great number of good Christians pity and love them, and are seeking to +promote their present and everlasting happiness. + +It is therefore much to be wished, that committees of ladies or gentlemen +were formed in every town in the kingdom, and their attention directed to +this neglected class of British subjects. An active person might be +found in every place, to act under the sanction of such committees, who +should visit their tents, instruct them in the Scriptures, and pray with +and for them (the latter he should never neglect) by which means he would +gain their confidence, and would always be looked on as a friend. Such a +person should not be ashamed to speak kindly to them when he meets them +in the street, or on the road. Indeed at all times he should converse +with them plainly and affectionately about the great love of the +Redeemer, in coming into this our world, to suffer and die for guilty +sinners, of whom they make a number. But all the labour should not be +confined to one person. Every member of these committees should be alive +to this good work; as also all Christians, and especially ministers. + +But should there not be sufficient energy and benevolence in all towns to +form a committee, two or three who are well disposed to the object, may +unite together and accomplish a great deal. And should there not be +found more than one person thus benevolently disposed, let not that one +be discouraged. The single talent must not be neglected, should it be +only the power to give a cup of cold water, or to speak one word about +the water of life to a necessitous and perishing Gipsy; for it may not, +cannot be in vain. Reader, are you doing what you can in this humble +way? It may be, you would rather ascend the pulpit and preach to +well-informed Christians, or visit the ignorant in your own town! This +is well; but the other should not be left undone. The wanderers in the +wilderness are not to be forgotten; the outcasts of society are to be +sought after. Let us imitate our adorable Redeemer, _who went about +doing good_, and who sought those who were not the least desirous of +finding him. As an encouragement to British Christians, who are alive to +the happiness of the Gipsies, they should know that there are many among +them desirous of a new mode of life, as will appear by an application +lately made to the author. + + "_Bristol_, _Oct._ 11_th_, 1830. + + "My dear Sir, + + "I am unwilling to let a parcel go to Southampton, without sending + you a line to give you a little information respecting H---, of whom + I made enquiry if she had called on the friends to whom I directed + her? This was done by her; but she could obtain no employment. Both + H--- and her husband conduct themselves in a very satisfactory + manner. A young lady, I hope, will employ her soon; and, perhaps, in + time she may get into regular work; but at present, she gets very + little, and it is very necessary that the man should have employment. + The cork trade is now over; (he used to sell corks.) They can have + the loan of a donkey for two months for nothing, and that being the + case, I told H--- to look out for a small cart, which I desired her + to hire for a week, and sell coals and potatoes in small quantities. + {97} I have felt fearful lest you should think me too busy; but + necessity has compelled me to do something, or they must have almost + _starved_; and I cannot bear the thought of their wanting bread; + knowing it must be a great temptation for them to return to their old + habits. The man appears much altered for the better. He said one + day, when they wanted food, that he would rather beg than oblige his + wife to return to fortune-telling. H--- tells me that her husband + and she live happily, and that they have had words but once since + they left their vagrant life. I am also happy to discover in her + pleasing evidences of honesty, as she pays her weekly rent often + before it is due, when she has money, fearing that she may spend it + in food. Job, their son, has no work, but I hope that he will be + able to help his father. Do, my dear Mr Crabb, pray for this little + branch of your family. I have received two pounds for your Infants' + Schools, from Mr ---, and would send it now, but I have been obliged + to expend a considerable part of it on these poor Gipsies. Do write + to me when you can, and give me advice respecting this poor family." + + The author must remark that, since the above letter was received, + others also have been sent from two ladies in that neighbourhood, + which give the Southampton committee great pleasure. The following + are extracts. + + "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, + + "Through the report of the Society for ameliorating the condition of + that unfortunate race, the Gipsies, I am acquainted with your name, + and with your benevolent exertions in their behalf. As the minister + of a parish in which perhaps the largest colony of this people in + Scotland reside, and naturally, therefore, very much interested in + any plan that promises to improve their condition, I take the liberty + of writing you; not so much for the purpose of answering the numerous + queries subjoined to the report, as of requesting your advice and + opinion, with regard to what plan might be adopted for the + improvement of the colony, placed, in some degree, under my care and + superintendence. I have but lately been called to the ministerial + office, and appointed to the pastoral care of this parish; and + previous to the period of my appointment, I had no opportunity of + being acquainted with the character and habits of the Gipsies. Your + longer acquaintance with this people, and experience, may suggest to + me some useful hints on the subject, should you take the trouble to + notice this letter. The number of Gipsies in the parish of Yetholm + is about 100. You are no doubt already in some degree acquainted + with the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, from the interesting notices + furnished by Mr Smith, of Kelso, and published in HOYLAND'S SURVEY, + and in one of the earliest numbers of Blackwood's Magazine. And his + account of them is substantially correct to this day. It would + appear that the Gipsy population of this place is fluctuating. In + 1798, there were only 59. In 1818, when Mr Smith wrote, there were + 109. In 1830, there are 100. And in a few years more, this number + may be considerably diminished or increased. The greater part of + them are "muggers," or "potters," who carry earthen-ware about the + country for sale. There are two horn spoon makers; all the others + are abroad from their head quarters, of Kirk Yetholm, from eight to + nine months in the year. The history of some of the individuals and + families of the clan, would furnish something very interesting. One + of the family of the Taa's is still denominated the "King." The + number of children belonging to each family is generally large. + There may be thirty children under twelve years of age. The parents + express themselves very anxious that their children should be + educated, and are willing, for this purpose, to leave them at home + all the summer; and farther, that they should be trained to some + occupation different from their own. Many of the parents declare, + that they would willingly remain at home, could they be supplied with + constant employment. Of late, the greater number of them have + occasionally attended church, and some of them continue to attend + most regularly when at home. A considerable number of the younger + children also, when at home, attend our Sabbath School. I have + likewise assisted the parents to send most of their children to the + Day School: still, however, these children are at home scarcely three + months in the depth of winter. Several families have not returned + yet. Their education, therefore, even were they sent regularly to + school, during this time, would be very limited. And besides, by + attending the parents to the country, they contract an attachment to + their loose, wandering life, which must tend to perpetuate the + peculiarities of the tribe. A few weeks ago I was requested by Dr + Baird, the Principal of the University, and one of the ministers of + Edinburgh, to write out a pretty full account of these my + parishioners. This I have done. The account, however, was written + so hastily, that I had not time even to correspond with you on the + subject, before doing so, as my object in writing to you was chiefly + to propose some plan which might be adopted for their improvement, on + which you might give me some useful information. In this account, I + have proposed that a fund or subscription should be raised for the + purpose of keeping the children at home during those months their + parents are traversing the country, for paying their school wages, + and, if possible, for giving a salary to a teacher to superintend + their education, and that a small additional sum be occasionally in + readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys. This account + may probably be published. I am in hopes, also, that the Principal + will interest himself in the cause. Should the account be published, + the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case I + should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an + opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan + proposed, from your kind communication. The sum which I conceived + would be required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per + annum. Mr B---, of Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the + pleasure of being acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a + correspondence with you on this subject. He also is interested in + the cause, and promises to use his influence with others. I think he + told me that some more detailed account of your plan was published, + or preparing for the press, in which various alterations and + improvements had been made. This was an additional reason for my + wishing to hear from you, before submitting to the people of Scotland + any plan on the subject. I should wish to know how the cause + prospers with you, and what number you have at present under your + care. I am extremely interested for this unfortunate people, and any + information therefore with regard to what is doing elsewhere, would + be acceptable. May He prosper the cause, whose blessing alone can + render our labours effectual! + + I remain, my dear Sir, + + With much respect and esteem, + Yours truly, + JOHN BAIRD. + +"P. S.--I have just received a letter from Principal Baird, informing me +that my account of the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, will be published, and a +proof for correction be sent to me shortly. It will be published in a +new statistical account of Scotland, which will ensure for it a very +extensive circulation, especially among the ministers of the established +church of Scotland." + +Another letter relating to the Gipsies of Yetholm, has been received from +the same clergyman, extracts of which may be seen in the Appendix. + + + + +CHAP. XII. Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent, for promoting a +Reformation among the Gipsies, continued. + + +It is usual, in Southampton, for a few pence to be given to a child who +informs any of the members of the Committee when a family of Gipsies +begin to erect their tents on the common, that they may immediately be +visited by our Reader. This may be done elsewhere. It may be well, too, +to buy a basket, or any other article they may honestly have to dispose +of, when opportunity offers; but it is not well to bestow money on them, +unless in sickness or want. When their wives are confined, a favourable +opportunity offers to bring into action the sympathies of compassion in +other females; and what gratitude would such an instance of tenderness +beget! These poor women have frequently been heard to exclaim, while +tears filled their eyes, _How kind_, _how good to us_! for favours very +much less! + +The author has seldom met with instances of ingratitude, though he is +obliged to record one. He was interested in the reformation of a Gipsy +family that encamped, a short time since, about five miles from +Southampton, whom he visited early on a Monday morning. Reaching the +camp, accompanied by the old Gipsy he has often mentioned in the course +of this work, he said to them, "Since you would not come to see me, I am +come to see you." The camp, consisting of eight persons, gave him a +cordial reception, the husband excepted, who said, he did not want his +company. "You certainly do not mean what you say," said his friend; to +which he ungratefully replied, "I never speak words without meaning." In +a good-natured way he was questioned as to the truth of his being a +Gipsy, accompanied with the remark, that Gipsies were seldom ungrateful +for the favours which were shown them. In half an hour after, he left +the camp very angrily. This man had been released from many years' +imprisonment, through the author's intercession; but having associated +with thieves so long, the worst principles of his heart were drawn forth. +Before he left the camp, he said he had no care about his children, but +to feed and clothe them. "Then you only treat your children as a man +does his dogs and pigs." He replied, that "such treatment was good +enough." This is a common sentiment; for the generality of parents have +no further care about their children than to feed and clothe them. Such +persons are not perhaps aware how nearly they come to that dreadful state +of mind and heart, of which this ungrateful Gipsy so wickedly boasted. + +After he had left the party, those who remained attended to conversation +and prayer, when one of the women wept bitterly on account of her sin of +fortune-telling. The author has since been informed that this poor man +expresses his sorrow for his uncalled-for behaviour. + +The plans adopted in Southampton, for the conversion of the Gipsies in +Hampshire, are now generally known among their people. Not long ago, an +old woman brought four orphans of a deceased relative from a great +distance, in order to place them under the care of the Committee. On +this occasion the old woman thus addressed the author. "Are you Mr +Crabb?" Being told, yes, she continued--"Mr Chas. Stanley, a Gipsey, +desired me to bring you these poor orphans." The author being assured +that they were orphans, promised, after some conversation, to visit their +tent the following day. He did so, and never can he forget the +distressing scene he then witnessed. It was winter, and the weather was +unusually cold, there being much snow on the ground. The tent, which was +only covered with a _ragged_ blanket, was pitched on the lee side of a +_small_ hawthorn bush. The children had stolen a few _green_ sticks from +the hedges, but they would not burn. _There was no straw_ in the tent, +and only one blanket to lay betwixt six children and the frozen ground, +with nothing to cover them. The youngest of these children was three, +and the eldest, seventeen years old. In addition to this wretchedness, +the smaller children were nearly naked. The youngest was squatted on the +ground, her little feet and legs bare, and gnawing a frozen turnip, which +had been stolen from an adjoining field. None of them had tasted bread +for more than a day. The moment they saw their visitor, the little ones +repeatedly shouted, "Here is the _gemman come for us_!" Some money was +given to the oldest sister to buy bread with, at which their joy was +greatly increased. Straw was also provided for them to sleep on, four +were measured for clothes, and, after a few days, they were placed under +the care of one of our reformed Gipsies. The youngest child died, +however, a short time after, in consequence of having been so neglected +in infancy. + +The children were cleanly washed and newly clothed, before they were +removed from the common. Perhaps they had never been thoroughly washed +before. The oldest sister would not give up her wandering habits; and +the oldest boy chose to go back to the camp again; so that the Committee +had soon only three of them in charge. And these were so filthy in their +habits for a long time, that it was very disagreeable to be near them. +It is hoped that, though they have lost their earthly parents, they may +be led, through this event, to God their heavenly Father. These children +were soon baptized, and two of them are improving at one of the Infants' +Schools. + +A short account of their parents may not be out of place here. The +mother was a great fortune-teller and swindler. She once robbed a poor +shepherd in Dorsetshire of twenty pounds, by promising to fill his box +with money. Their father was a most depraved character. Their life and +practices are well described in the language of the Apostle, _Let us eat +and drink_, _for to morrow we die_. 1 Cor. xv. 32. The man was the +buffoon of their company, and became more depraved every year. They +often had a great deal of money, which was, no doubt, obtained through +dishonest means. On one occasion, he and many other Gipsies, entered the +parlour of a small public house on the borders of Hants, when emptying +the contents of a dirty purse into an half-pint cup, he nearly filled it +with sovereigns; and declared, they would not leave the house, till they +had spent it all. His wife, at this time, who was intoxicated, was +robbed of all the money she had got from the poor credulous shepherd, +excepting one pound. + +The same man once put 150 sovereigns into his kettle, to treat himself +with what he called, _gold water_, for his tea; a piece of folly and +wickedness only equalled by a fact with which the author is well +acquainted, when an old man had his gold put under his pillow, and often +shown to him, when he was dying. We need not wonder, therefore, that the +children of this Gipsy couple should be so ignorant, depraved, and +destitute. For money that is ill-gotten, and squandered in extravagance, +entails a double curse on the parties concerned. But to return to the +subject of this chapter. + +To visit the Gipsies in their tents is of great importance. Clergymen of +the Establishment, dissenting ministers, and home missionaries, have at +various times done this, and conversed freely with them on the Christian +religion; and it has _not been in vain_. Indeed, nothing that is done, +through Jesus Christ, purposely to please God, and benefit the wretched, +can fail to produce a good effect. The Rev. Messrs Hyatt and Cobbin, who +were deputed by the Home Missionary Society, to visit many parts of +England, to enquire into the condition of this people, had no doubt, but +that much good may be done among them, if proper means are pursued. It +has many times been proved, that to attempt to raise them in society, +without the influence of religious instruction, would be improper. They +have not sufficient principles of honesty, nor purity of conduct, till +they are taught those principles, and changed, by religion. One, among +several instances, may be named. + +A young female Gipsy, remarkable for the beauty of her person, was much +noticed by a lady of rank. She was made to sit many times for her +portrait, was introduced into the drawing-room, and became of consequence +as one of the family. She might have done well, had she not given up all +her prospects by running away with a Gipsy youth, for whom she had an +attachment, and with whom she has ever since lived in great misery. If +less attention had been paid to her beauty, and more to the cultivation +of right principles, she might now have been reformed, religious, and +happy. + +To those who wish to forward the instruction of the children of these +wanderers, which is of vast importance, the use of tins with letters and +monosyllables stamped upon them, is recommended. A little ink or paint +will be necessary to make the letters visible. This plan would save much +expense, and render elementary books unnecessary. They could not be +torn, as books generally are. The pieces thrown away by the tinman, if +the corners were taken off, would answer every purpose. To induce those +children, who cannot be got from the tent, to learn from these tins, the +visitor might promise them an old garment, or some other trifle. Should +the Gipsies conduct themselves properly, when thus visited, a little +willow-wood may be given them to encourage them in industry, and forward +the manufactory of baskets. And it might be well were a small piece of +ground devoted to the growth of willows, in neighbourhoods frequented by +them, on purpose to encourage them thereby. It might be adviseable, too, +to give them testimonials on a card, of good conduct, when about to +remove to another district, which might serve as an introduction to +benevolent persons, and those interested in their welfare in other +places; and this means would effectually prevent all imposition, keep up +the attention of the good among them, and would constantly bring them +before the notice of christian society. Such kindness would be felt by +the Gipsies, and, in time, might produce a good effect. This method has +been attended to by the Southampton Committee. + +The great object that Christians should have in view, should be to +instruct them in the blessed truths of the Christian religion, imbue them +with a happy sense of honesty and morality, and then reclaim them wholly +from their unsettled and wandering habits; for until they have some +knowledge of religion, and some anxiety to reform, they would only be +worse by being brought constantly before the bad examples that would be +set them in towns. Of course, such a change _cannot be fully +accomplished in the present generation_; it cannot be expected. But +their conversion to God will wholly be accomplished in time, if all +Christians do their duty, depending on the influence of the Holy Spirit. + +From what has been said in this chapter, it will appear, that, visiting +their tents to pray for, and instruct them, teaching such children to +read as cannot get to public schools, and prevailing on all who are able +to do so, to attend public worship; are the principal things to be +attempted, in this great and good undertaking. Those Christians who wish +for opportunities of doing good to the Gipsies in and about London, will +find many of them in the suburbs in the months of April, May, and June, +when they generally find work in the market gardens. In the months of +July and August they move into Sussex and Kent, and are engaged in the +harvest. And in the month of September, _great numbers_ of them are to +be found in the hop-districts of Kent, Sussex and Surry, where they find +employment. During the winter, many of them settle in London, +Westminster, Bristol, and other large towns, when a good opportunity is +presented for teaching, both to the children and adults of this class, +the elements of reading, and the principles of true religion. For the +information of those who may wish to visit the Gipsies in London and +Bristol, during the winter, the author thinks it his duty to name the +streets where they generally reside. + +Tottenham-court Road; Battle Bridge; Paddington; Bolton Street; Church +Lane; Church Street; Kent Street, Borough; New Street; White Street; +Banbridge Street; Shore-ditch; Tothill-fields; and Tunbridge Street. In +Bristol they are principally found in Saint Phillip's, Newfoundland +Street, Bedminster, and at the March and September fairs. + +At the Ascot and Epsom races, they may be met in large numbers; and if a +benevolent, kind, and zealous minister of Christ were to visit them at +their encampments at these seasons, and explain to them the facts, +doctrines, and blessings of the Gospel, much good might be done. The +morning would be the happiest time to visit these Gipsies, as they are +too often at races, inebriated before night. It is presumed little could +be said to profit them in a state of intoxication, and many of the women +are then employed either in swindling or fortune-telling. + +Should the sympathies of the British public be efficiently directed to +the Gipsies of this country, it may call forth the zeal of other nations +to improve their still more degraded condition on the Continent, where +more than half a million of them wander, ignorant as the heathens of all +that is necessary to salvation. Those of this country loudly call upon +us for instruction, which may easily be given them. Let all who have +either time, money, or ability, give a helping hand; and, above all, +assist by their unfeigned and earnest prayers. It may be very advisable +to pray publicly for them in places of worship, and at the family altar, +after visiting them in the highways and hedges. It might impress those +of them who attend, with a grateful sense of the gracious care of God, +and lead Christian congregations to think more of them, and to do more +for them. May the merciful God of heaven and of earth, hasten the happy +period, when the Gipsies of this, and of all other countries, shall +embrace, and love, and be obedient to the Gospel of the gracious +Redeemer! + + + + +CHAP. XIII. Further Account of encouraging interviews with Gipsies, and +interesting Correspondence. + + +The author laments that he has passed so many years of his life wholly +careless of the Gipsies of this country. Having travelled many times +through England, he has had frequent opportunities of seeing them. But, +till now, he looked on their conversion as a hopeless case, and nearly +wholly neglected them. He has already stated the manner his attention +was first roused to consider their condition and necessities more +particularly, and he reflects with pleasure on the kindness of Providence +in leading him to witness those events which called for sympathy towards +them; and on the mercy of God so apparent in blessing the labours of +himself and others in their behalf. + +The late Rev. Legh Richmond felt a deep interest in the conversion of +this people. To awaken the sympathies and energies of his countrymen to +that subject, he composed the following hymn on their behalf. + + THE GIPSIES' PETITION. + + Oh! ye who have tasted of mercy and love, + And shared in the blessings of pardoning grace; + Let us the kind fruits of your tenderness prove, + And pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race + + For long have we wandered, neglected and wild, + Esteemed by all people as wretched and base; + Nor once on our darkness has light ever smiled; + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race. + + Like you, we have lost that pure gem, which, when lost, + Not the mines of Golconda {115} can ever replace; + To redeem it the blood of a Saviour it cost: + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race. + + Like us, you were wild in the sight of your God; + But he looked, and he loved, and he pitied your case; + The Redeemer has cleansed you in streams of his blood; + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race. + + Ye, who have found mercy, that mercy display; + Ye sons of adoption, your origin trace; + And then sure you cannot your face turn away, + But will pity and pray for the poor Gipsy race; + + That we may form part of that numerous throng, + Redeemed from destruction by infinite grace; + And mingle with you in the heavenly song; + Then pity, oh! pity the poor Gipsy race. + +It has been the custom of the author to have a yearly meeting of the +Gipsies at his own house, which is then open to all their families. +Here, early in the year 1830, those who were in the lanes and on the +common near Southampton, met many of their kind and religious friends, +who are interested in their happiness. The morning was agreeably spent +in a religious service, conducted for their spiritual benefit; after +which some attention was paid to their temporal wants. Forty-eight of +them, all nearly related to each other, who were at that time assembled +in the neighbourhood to renew their family friendships, attended on this +occasion, and were much pleased with the services in which they engaged. +Different portions of the Scriptures were read and expounded to them, +after which they had a plain and familiar address. It was a pleasure to +meet these people at a throne of grace. After partaking of bread and +cheese and ale, during which they conducted themselves very properly, a +blanket was presented to the proprietor of each tent, a pair of stockings +to every individual, and a quantity of calico for changes for the +children. There were thirteen reformed Gipsies among them, who spent the +rest of the day in reading the Scriptures to their brethren at their own +houses. + +These people expressed themselves very gratefully. One of the families, +of whom the mother could read, begged a bible. Some weeks after this +bible had been given, the family was visited in its tent, when this copy +of the Holy Scriptures was shewn to him, who observed many of the pages +doubled down to mark the passages with which the reader had been +impressed. The father of the family said--"I will never rest till I can +read that book through." This poor man now attends divine service +whenever he has an opportunity, although he strongly opposed, at one +time, the reading of the Scriptures in his tent. + +A lady, who was present at this meeting, asked one of the reformed +Gipsies, how she had felt herself on that morning? She replied--"I never +was so happy;" and, after a short silence, continued--"The dinner we had +last year, was much better than that we had to-day, as it was roast beef +and plum-pudding; but what I heard then, of the minister's address, was +only the word of man to me; but to-day, it has been the word of God; I am +sure it has." + +Although it may be feared, that to many Gipsies then present, the reading +of the Scriptures, and the familiar address, were only as _the words of +man_, yet is there reason to hope they understood it, and that they will +benefit thereby. + +This woman had an only surviving brother who was killed in fighting, and +whose death was instantaneous. She was exceedingly distressed, and +observed, in reference to this awful circumstance, "I should not have +thought of his soul after death, at one time; but now I can read my +Testament, I am sure that none can go to heaven but those who are born +again." And she made an observation, too, of the utmost importance, +shewing the great necessity there is for the Gipsies to be taught to +read. _My being able to read myself_, said she, _has a great deal more +effect upon me_, _than it would if another read it to me_, _and I could +not read_; _for now_ I AM SURE IT IS IN THE BOOK. She carries her +Testament in her pocket when she goes a journey, and reads it to her +former companions, when she meets them on the road; and if they express +any wonder at the change that has taken place, she refers them to the +Scriptures as the cause, and her kind friends at Southampton, as the +instruments. + +The following circumstance lately occurred, and will shew the improvement +that has taken place in her daughters. One of them had been sent by her +mother to receive the weekly sum allowed her. On receiving the money, +she said, "This is twopence too much, sir." Being accustomed now and +then to give her a few pence towards buying a Testament, she was told to +keep it for that purpose. "I thank you," said she, "I have got a +Testament, now, and mother has given her's to my next sister, since she +has had a bible; and my youngest sister had a Testament given her at the +Sunday School: but one of us is saving money to buy a hymn-book with; I +will give _her_ the twopence." + +This incident, trifling as it may seem to some, will not fail to gratify +others, whose hearts are anxiously desirous of improving the Gipsies. + +In the autumn of 1830, the author felt a strong desire to visit Farnham, +where were, at that time, thousands of poor people assembled to pick +hops, among whom were many Gipsies. Stanley was sent a few days before +to make known his intentions of preaching to them on the evening of a +fixed day. While at Farnham, Stanley ate, drank, and slept in some of +their camps, by which he gained their confidence and affection. + +During the author's stay he accompanied Stanley to various +hop-plantations, where great numbers of the most wretched part of the +community are employed in the hopping season. Great numbers of tracts +were distributed among them, while the author entered into many free and +familiar conversations with them. Many were found very much depraved; +but none were more depraved among the Gipsies, than many of the other +class; for they were blasphemers of God and his religion. One man, like +many of old, stirred up the people to reject and despise the truth. He +said, "No one would get any thing by praying to God;" and, "if people +wanted bread on a Sunday, it would be better for them to steal a mess of +potatoes, and wood to cook them with, than go to church." Some of the +poor shuddered at his boldness, and contempt of God's law. With much +impudence he declared, "that he knew a man who put his dough into the +oven on a Sunday without heating it, and then went to church to pray that +God would bake it for him; but that the fool was disappointed." The +minister said to him--"You know that you have told a wilful lie. You +never knew such a man. There is not one of these little children will +believe you." He appeared confounded at this unexpected rebuke. May +this sinner repent and be saved! + +Among the hop-pickers of Farnham were many Gipsies the visitors had long +known; and their smiling faces spoke the gladness of their hearts and the +warmth of their gratitude, when they were noticed by their friends +affectionately and kindly; nor had they forgotten the favours that had +been shewn them at Southampton. + +Those of the Gipsies who were not acquainted with the object the author +had in view, in paying them a visit, were much alarmed when enquiries +were made for the Gipsies in the hop-grounds; supposing they were pursued +by the magistrates. One youth told Stanley, that he knew not whether to +run, or stay where he was; but recollecting to have been _in no spray +lately_, he resolved on staying. When Stanley spoke to him in his own +language, and introduced the minister, all his fears vanished. The +Gipsies were astonished that any one should travel forty miles to see +them. + +Their public meeting was after the labours of the day, near one of the +hop-grounds, about half an hour after sun-set. A few small candles gave +light to a small tenement, used as a lodging place for the hop-gatherers, +where the congregation was accommodated. A few of the inhabitants of +Farnham, and some of the female Gipsies, who were much delighted to +mingle with them in the worship of God, were put inside, and the men, +with such women and children as could not get in, stood outside, the +place being very much too small for so great a number of people. The +preacher stood on the threshold of the door and addressed the people, of +whom those without could only be seen now and then, as an adjacent wood +fire cast at intervals upon them an intermitting light. The Rev. Mr +Johnson kindly attended, and assisted in the devotional part of the +service; and some of his congregation obligingly assisted in the singing. + +On this occasion the Gospel of Christ was addressed to many who had never +before heard an exposition of the blessed word of God. The sermon was +from Psalm lxxxvi. 5. After service the Gipsies were exhorted to seek +for opportunities of attending the house of God; to beg of some minister +a bible for every tent; and to ask every one who may come near them to +read certain of its pages to them. + +During the address, many of _their crimes_ were enlarged upon, and their +dread of, and liability to punishment for them in this world; and they +were urged to call on the God of all compassion and mercy, for help and +for forgiveness, by that all-powerful motive, that he will never be +inattentive to the prayers of the most helpless, wretched, and guilty +sinner, when presented to God by faith in our only mediator, Jesus +Christ. + +Stanley, who, after the service, accompanied the Gipsies to their tents, +found that the sermon afforded conversation for the whole evening. One +of them said, "The minister has told us every thing, as though he had +lived with us." Another observed, "If it be all true what the gentleman +has said, not a Gipsy can be saved." A third exhorted his children +"never to say bad words again." The little creature replied--"Then I +hope my _grandfer_ (grandfather) will never swear any more." Many of +them talked of the evils of fortune-telling, and some resolved on going +to Southampton, to see the reformed Gipsies. + +During the stay of the minister in that neighbourhood, eighty of them +were visited, among whom was a dying woman, who very gladly received +instruction, and heard prayer. A minister, in the neighbourhood, had +been asked to visit her, but had neglected to do so. + +The author must not forget to acknowledge the kindness of the farmers who +assisted him in the distribution of tracts, &c. &c., and who solicited +that some might be left them for that purpose. + +This visit afforded an opportunity to contradict many false reports of +the treatment with which the Gipsy children had met in the Infants' +Schools at Southampton. It was said that they were all confined, and +would at a future period be transported. This shews how easily people +who deceive others, are imposed on themselves. + +The following letter was addressed to the author by a Gipsy woman when +she was in great trouble of mind. It is presented to the reader just as +it was received, and may be found interesting to the friends of their +cause. + + "Sir, + + "I Hope you will Excuse Me for Riun These few Lines too you, I did + Not Now where To Cend to My Sister, I Have Been very Il and my + Familee. My Children Ave Had The Measils, They are Got Well from + That. I am Sorry to hinform you I Have Had A Shockin Accedent To my + Little Girl, She was Burnd to Death. I Give My Luv To My Son Job. + Plese to Give My Luv to My Sister Paishince, and Hur Childern. Plese + to Give My Luv To My Ant Pheny, and Plese to Lett Me Now How My Cuzin + James doos Go on, Plese to Lett Me Now How My Unkil Charls and His + Famly Is. Wm Duff Gives His Best Rispecs To All. Plese To Tel My + Sister too Anser This Letter By Returne of Post. I Am So unappy in + My Mind Till I Do Hear From Er. Dear Sister, I Have Mett With so + Much Trubel Sinc I Saw you Last, That I Am Sorre To inform you. + Plese to Tel my Child from Me To Bee A Good Boy, and Think Imself Wel + off Wher He Is. My Distris and My Trubel Makes Me Think More of My + Sister. Ples To Direct the Letter To Be Left At The Post Offis, for + Haryett Duff, Till Caulld for, in Bristil. Plese To Give My Luv To + My Son Job. So No More At Prezint from your Umble Sarvint. Plese + God I Am Coming To See You Some time This Munth. + + "My Littel Girl Met The Accedent Wednesday, April 23, 1828." + +The following letter, too, refers to the writer of the above. + + _Bristol_, _August_, 1830. + + "My dear Sir, + + "As I know that you are deeply interested in every circumstance + relating to the Gipsies, I trouble you with the following anecdote. + In the month of January last, when walking in the city of Bristol, I + met a Gipsy woman, who accosted me with the usual salutation of her + race, "Shall I tell you your fortune?" I enquired her name, and then + said, "You well know that you are not able to tell me my fortune; and + I am sorry to see you carrying on such deception." I then + endeavoured to speak to her about the importance of considering her + eternal welfare, and of seeking the salvation which is in Christ + Jesus; at the same time pointing out the certain condemnation she was + bringing upon herself, by willingly following the _multitude to do + evil_, even carrying _a lie in her right hand_. She urged that her + trade (which she acknowledged to be built on deceit and falsehood) + was her only support; and that she must starve if she followed my + advice. I reminded her that she would be like Dives, if she gained + the whole world and lost her own soul; but that were she indeed to + honour God, by giving up her wicked trade, because she knew that it + was displeasing to him, he would never suffer her to want any good + thing. After much more conversation, she assured me that she would + never tell fortunes again, and would discontinue her evil habits of + life. I told her that I could not allow her to make to me any + promise of the kind; for she did not know her wickedness, nor the + power which could alone prevent her from committing sin. I again + besought her to avail herself of the means of instruction within her + power. + + Before leaving the city, I commended her to the care of some pious + friends, who were interested in my account of her, and who kindly + promised not to lose sight of her. Since that time I have received + very pleasing accounts from them respecting her. They have purchased + materials in order that she may be able to support herself by + basket-making, which she has begun; and I trust she has relinquished + her former trade. She is making progress in reading, and constantly + attends the preaching of the Gospel. I hope also that she is really + in earnest for the welfare of her soul. I earnestly wish that every + one would take an interest in the same; and I should be much rejoiced + if the circumstance which I have just mentioned, should be the means + of encouraging any one to notice those Gipsies with whom they may + occasionally meet, and to exert themselves in saving them from their + present degraded condition. + + "I am, my dear Sir, + "Yours respectfully, + * * * * * + +_Wm. Stanley's Letter to the Author_. + + "Hon. Sir, + + "As you wish me to give you some account of the Gipsies, I gladly + comply with your request. I am a poor individual of that wandering + race, called Gipsies; yet, by the mercies of God, I was _rescued_ + from that wandering life. In my _youthful days_ I entered into the + Wiltshire militia, when it pleased God to bring me under the + preaching of the Gospel at Exeter; and it was the means of awakening + my conscience. _From that time I have often been led to bepity the + sad state of the people whereof I made a part_. I have given them + the best instruction that lay in my power, and by reading the + Scriptures to them; but with very little visible effect for many + years. Neither did I think, till lately, that there were any of them + in the world, that cared for their souls, till the year 1827; when I + was quite _overcome with love to God_, _to find that the Lord had put + it into the hearts of his dear people at Southampton_, _to pity them + in their forlorn condition_; and now wonder not if I am at a loss for + words to speak the feeling of my heart; for, since that time I have + seen _seventeen or eighteen_; _nay_, _from twenty to thirty_; _nay_, + _from forty to fifty attend divine worship_; and _add_ to this the + many happy hours I have spent with them in their tents near + Southampton, in reading and praying with them; and some of them that + six months ago would not stay in their camp on my approach to them, + but would go away swearing, will now receive me gladly, and produce a + Bible or a Testament, which _had_ been given to them, and desire me + to read it to them, saying, this book was given to me by our dear + friends in Southampton. But, _dreadful to relate_, I find some + children, _from three years old to fifteen_, who never _said a prayer + to their God_; who never heard any one pray, and who _was_ never in a + church or chapel, nor have heard of the name of Christ, but in + blaspheming; and these are the inhabitants of England! Oh, England! + England! they are living and dying without God: no wonder if they + draw down the divine vengeance of Heaven on the land! + + "Many of these poor _ignorant mortals_ do not know that they are + doing wrong by fortune-telling; and being informed that it is + displeasing to God, and ruinous to their own souls, they will say, it + is _of no service for me to give attendance to religion_, for I am + forced to ruin my soul for every morsel of bread I eat; but if God + spares my life I will leave it off as soon as I can; while others who + are both ignorant and hardened in their crimes, have told me it was + the gift of God to them, by which they were to gain their living. + Surely they call _darkness light_! Many of my people who join in + talk with me, declare, that if the Bible which I read to them be + true, there cannot be many saved. But they say that a reformation is + needful, and this is promised by them; and I am in great hopes that + the time is at hand. Oh, Lord! work for thine own glory, and stir up + the minds of thy people in all parts of the land, that they may help + forward this good work amongst these poor wanderers! + + "Their ignorance and their crimes seem to have increased of late + years. When I was a boy, I well recollect their parting expressions, + which _was_ so common amongst them--_Artmee Devillesty_, which + is--_God bless you_. But now it is _truly awful_; it is _darkness + itself_, _for they now ask God to send them good luck_ in their + crimes. I _myself_ thought for many years, _till __I heard the + Gospel_, _that God was like some great gentleman_, _living at a great + distance from us_; but I had not a thought that he was every where + present to notice the conduct of his creatures, or to hear prayer. + The ignorance of _my people_ is a loud call to Christians to assist; + and, blessed be God, they find that assistance in Southampton. The + Bible has often been taken away from Southampton in the Gipsies' + pack, and I have seen it when they have returned, preserved with a + great deal of care, and produced for me to read, with great delight + on their part. + + "Surely this blessed book will not be idle, but will do _wonders_ + amongst them, _through God's grace_. I see the effects already; do + you say, how? I answer, _Was it ever known_, _till now_, that + Gipsies assembled on the sabbath day on the common and in the lanes + for divine worship? Did you ever see them come to town on a sabbath + day in such great numbers as they now do, when encamping near + Southampton? Some of the most ignorant of them are now learning to + read the Scriptures. This is the beginning of good days. Oh! the + good this will do to _my people at large_! Nothing of importance + took place in their camp all last summer, _and I almost fainted under + the discouragement_; but of late _it shows another face_; and I make + no doubt but it will spread, and I shall soon see greater things than + these. + + I am, hon. Sir, + Your most obliged and humble Servant, + WILLIAM STANLEY." + + "P. S.--On examining the different _branches of my family_, I find + upwards of 200 of us in different parts of England." + +This poor man, when a soldier, and in the habit of attending divine +service, as a part of his duty, often heard his comrades speak of the +text, on their return to the barracks. He one day made up his mind to +bring home the text also, the next time he went to church. He heard with +attention, and when he returned to the barracks, he said, "I've got the +text now." "What is it, Stanley?" he was asked by a comrade, when he +answered, "The 19th day of the month, and the 95th Psalm." When relating +this to the author, he added, "I had the mortification to be laughed at +by all my comrades who witnessed my ignorance." Do not many professing +Christians come away from the house of God as ignorant as this poor +Gipsy? Or if they have been taught to know and remember the text, it is +all they attend to. This man's mind did not long remain in this dark +state. After the above event he learned to read, and one day, taking up +a Testament from the barracks' table, he read a portion of it, (for so he +expressed himself) _The sublimity of the language struck his mind with +astonishment_, and he said, _I will buy that book if I can_. His comrade +asked him three halfpence for it; and he was glad of his purchase; +although the Testament was very much torn. The Holy Scriptures were +scarce in those days, a copy of which could seldom be bought by the poor; +nor, indeed, would the word of life have been useful to them, as not one +in a hundred could read. + +Soon after this, he was invited to attend a Wesleyan chapel in Exeter, +where a funeral sermon was to be preached by the Rev. Wm. Aver. The text +was, _Let me die the death of the righteous_, _and let my last end be +like his_. While the minister was describing the happiness of the +righteous, divine light shone upon his soul, he felt that _he_ was not +that character, and that there was no prospect of his dying happily, +unless he possessed it. This sermon was the means of his conversion. + + + + +CHAP. XIV. Interesting particulars of the Gipsies, related by a +Clergyman. + + +The following account is selected from a tract published in York, in +1822, detailing several interesting visits that a Yorkshire clergyman +made to some of the camps of that wandering and neglected people. Were +the author of the little book known, application would have been made to +him, for permission to reprint these extracts. But it is hoped he will +excuse the liberty taken, as the design is to _induce other clergymen and +ministers to go and do likewise_. This clergyman, having fallen in with +a gang of Gipsies on the road, who were travelling to their place of +encampment, addressed a young female among them, and found her not +ignorant of religion. "How," said the clergyman, "did you obtain the +knowledge of religion?" "Sir," answered she, "in the depth of winter, +the men folks only travel; the women and children belonging to my family +and party, always live in the town. In those seasons I have gone with +some of our relatives, who live there, and are religious people, to the +worship of God: in that way I have learned these things." + +"This was a practical comment on the text which says, _The entrance of +the word giveth light_; _it giveth __understanding to the simple_. After +giving her some suitable advice, and with it his benediction, he left +her; but not without hopeful expectations that the seeds of grace were +sown in her heart. + +"He next overtook the grandmother and several of her grandchildren. She +was pleased at his noticing her, and answered his enquiries with modesty +and propriety. She corroborated what her daughter had said, and in her +answers discovered not only an acquaintance with the general truths of +the Gospel, but a feeling sense of their importance. She said, 'I love +to go to church, and do go _now_, sir, when I can; but do not always meet +with the right doctrines: my prayers I offer up night and morning, under +the hedge. I hope God Almighty hears my prayers.' The clergyman +observed, that sincere prayer was acceptable to God any where, equally +under the hedge, as in the parlour, or in the church. When arrived at +their camp, he promised them a Bible, as they had none, and directed some +of the party to call at the friend's house in the neighbourhood where he +was staying. Soon after his return thither, a knock was heard at the +door, when it was announced, 'Two Gipsies, sir, are come for a Bible.' +On going out, he found in the hall the young man who could read, and a +younger brother, a fine boy of about fourteen years of age." The +gentleman who wrote the account, adds as follows:-- + +"Their countenances were very animated and expressive; there seemed to be +a ray of heavenly brightness resting upon them; and while I gave them a +charge how to read the sacred gift, they were much affected: the boy, in +particular, listened with eager attention, fixing his eyes first on me, +then on the Bible. After I had inscribed their names in the title-page, +they departed with my blessing; and what is better--with the blessing of +God." + +At another part of the year, this clergyman returned to the same spot +where he had before been so delightfully engaged in attempting to benefit +the poor Gipsies. He found out another camp, and thus writes of them. + +"On my approach to the camp (where was a group of nearly naked children,) +the Gipsy girls rose up, and, in a modest and respectful manner, answered +my questions; while the little swarthy group of children gathered around +me. To one of these girls I said, 'How is it that you bear such a +wandering and exposed life?' In reply, she said, 'Sir, it is _use_; +_use_ is second nature.' 'But have you any religion? Do you think about +God, about judgment, and eternity? Do you know how to pray?' She +answered, 'I say my prayers, sir, night and morning.' I then said, 'can +any of your people read?' 'Yes, sir,' she replied, 'one of our men that +is not here, can read very well.' 'Have you a Bible among you?' 'No, +sir; we should be thankful for one, sir.'" + +On leaving the camp, the clergyman promised to call on them again, when +the other part of the family should be returned from the town, where they +were gone to vend their wares. + +"On my return to the encampment," says he, "I was met by two men who came +out to greet me. I asked them kindly of their names. They informed me +it was Bosvill. The women and children were now collected around me. I +inquired who among them could read. Captain Bosvill, for so I called +him, answered me, 'My wife, sir, can read any thing in English.' I was +glad to hear this, and asked them if they had any books. Bosvill went to +a package and brought forth his stock, fragments of an old Testament, and +an old spelling-book. 'And what use do you make of your spelling book?' +asked I. 'My wife,' replied Bosvill, 'when she has time, teaches the +children their letters.' I now shewed them the Bible I had in my pocket, +saying, that as it was so holy and blessed a book, it ought not to be +given in an indifferent and common manner; and asked, if I were to ride +over in the evening to give it them, and to explain to them its use, +whether they would be all together to hear me. 'Yes, yes;' was the +reply, from many voices. I appointed seven o'clock for the purpose. I +then distributed amongst them some tracts, containing passages for every +day in the week, and also the tract of Short Sermons; for which they were +very thankful. I told them that I intended to give them a Bible in the +evening, a book which few of them had ever seen, and which fewer +understood. I was pleased with the modesty of their deportment, and with +their eagerness for instruction. Surely they are a people whose hearts +the Lord has prepared for the reception of his word. + +"At the hour appointed, I put the Bible in my pocket, and rode again to +the camp. The evening was particularly fine: the sun, hidden behind some +thick fleecy clouds, had thrown around a mild and pleasing tint; the +birds were every where singing their evening song; the ploughman was +'whistling o'er the lea;' and nature, after the labours of the day, was +preparing for her wonted rest. It was a fit time for meditation, prayer, +and praise. Such an evening, perhaps, as that which led the patriarch of +old to meditation, when he lifted up his eyes and saw the returning +servants of his father bringing home his future wife. As I drew near to +the camp, I began to revolve in my mind the best way of making them +acquainted with the importance of the most essential doctrines contained +in the holy book I was about to give them. On my arrival, I found that I +had been long expected. The men, however, were not there; they were gone +to water a horse, which they had lent all the day to a farmer; but a +tawny girl ran with great speed, barefooted, and brought them to the +camp. I now dismounted, and gave my horse, with my stick, to the care of +one of the men. The family circle was formed into an irregular circle +round some pale embers, some of them sitting cross-legged on the grass, +and others standing. I placed myself so as to have the women and +children chiefly before me. The woman who could read, was seated +opposite me: the men, the tents, and the package to the right; while the +horses and asses belonging to the tribe, were quietly grazing at a short +distance in the lane. All was solemn stillness; all was attentive +expectation. As I took from my pocket the Bible, the eyes of the whole +company were instantly fixed upon it. This book, said I, which I bring +you, is the book of God; it is sent from heaven to make poor miserable +and dying man happy. I then spoke a short time on God; on creation; how +God created man upright; how he was once happy in paradise; the way in +which he sinned, and broke the law of his Maker, and became guilty, +polluted, and exposed to death and hell; that to save men from this +dreadful state, God devised a plan of mercy; that he sent his Son, and +the Scriptures of truth, which shew unto us the way of salvation. This +was something of the outline of my lecture; but I added the +responsibility of men to read the book, and to seek to understand it. I +solemnly charged them, by the sacred book itself, and by the account +which they, at the day of judgment, must give to God for it, to make the +most sacred and constant use of it, by reading it together daily in their +camp. In the course of my discourse, I stopped, and said,--'Now do you +understand what I say?' Captain Bosvill's wife replied, 'We understand +you, sir; but we have not the same words which you have.' In conclusion, +I spoke of the coming judgment, when they and all men must stand and be +judged at the righteous bar of God. The Bible was then delivered to the +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.' + +"I said, moreover, that, 'supposing, when I first saw your camp, I had +rode by you on the other side, and taken no notice of you, nor felt an +interest in your welfare; and after that, had met you at the bar of +judgment; what would have been the language with which you might have +addressed me at that awful period? Might you not have charged the misery +of your eternal condemnation upon me, and said, The curse we are doomed +to bear, thoughtless man, might, perchance, have been prevented by you? +You saw us when riding by our camp lying in ignorance, and unbelief: you +might have rode up to us, and imparted instruction to our perishing +souls; because to you were committed the oracles of God, and you knew the +way to heaven. But, no, _cruel man_, our state excited in you no +compassion, or desire for our salvation. In your conduct there was no +imitation of your Lord and Master. Go, cruel man, and if heaven you +enter, let your felicity be embittered by the recollection of neglect to +the Gipsy wanderers, whom Providence had placed in your way, that you +might direct them to God, but which you neglected.' In conclusion, I +again referred to the holy Bible, which I had given them; and again +repeated the way to use it. After which I said, Now we will conclude +with prayer, as we did last evening. Immediately the same female who +before brought the carpet, again spread it, with great civility, for me +to kneel upon; and again I offered up a solemn prayer for the salvation +of these lost and perishing mortals. The greatest seriousness and awe +rested upon the assembly. Surely the prayer was registered in heaven, +and shall, in time not far distant, be answered.--Come, and take these +heathens for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for +thy possession.--When I proposed to take leave of my swarthy flock, it +was not without feelings of attachment on both sides. I had observed +several of them much affected under my discourse, and now they manifested +it more openly. As I shook hands with them, I said, 'You see, I did not +come among you to give you money. I considered religious instruction of +the most value; therefore I have endeavoured to impart it.' 'Sir,' +replied several, 'we did not want your money; your instruction is better +to us than money; and we thank you for coming.' The camp now resounded +with voices, saying, 'Thank you, sir; God bless you, sir;' and every +countenance seemed to glow with gratitude. The young branches of the +family seemed to think a great honour and blessing had been conferred +upon them. + +"As I mounted my pony to come away, I observed one of the females, a fine +young woman about twenty-five years of age, the same that brought the +carpet from the package, and spread on the grass for me to kneel upon, to +retire from the rest. She walked slowly near to the hedge, and appeared +evidently much distressed. Her expressive eyes were lifted up to heaven, +while the big tears rolling down her cheeks, were wiped away with her +long black tresses. I thought--Here, surely, are some of the first +fruits!--Thus did the woman, who was a sinner, weep, and with her hair +wipe away the tears from the feet of her Saviour. May those tears be as +acceptable to God: may the same Redeemer bid her go in peace! Her +conduct attracted the notice of her family, and she was asked the reason +of her sorrow. At first she could scarcely speak; but at length +exclaimed, 'Oh! I am a sinner!' Then lifting up her eyes to heaven, she +wept aloud, and again wiped away the falling tears with her hair. 'But +did you not know that before? we are all sinners. What have you done to +cause you so much distress?' She made no reply, but shook her head and +wept." + +The author of the GIPSIES' ADVOCATE, who, for the encouragement of his +readers, has embodied the above interesting paragraphs in his work, +sincerely hopes and prays that all ministers of Christ will, ere long, be +led to imitate this clergyman in his benevolent and Christian attempts to +benefit by the influence of religion and the word of God, the lost, and +ignorant, and miserable, and perishing among mankind. + + + + +CHAP. XV. Interesting visits to Gipsy camps, including an Anecdote of +his late beloved MAJESTY, GEORGE THE THIRD. + + +The following account is extracted from the Home Missionary Magazine for +June, 1823. + +_March_, 1823. "Sir, + +"If the following facts should afford any encouragement to the benevolent +intentions of the Home Missionary Society, which has, for one of its +objects, the improvement of the state of the _poor Gipsies_, my end in +relating them will be amply answered. + +"On Saturday evening, in the month of October, the narrator followed +several Gipsy families. Being arrived at the place of their encampment, +his first object was to gain their confidence. This was accomplished; +after which, to amuse their unexpected visitant, they shewed forth their +night diversions in music and dancing; likewise the means by which they +obtained their livelihood, such as tinkering, fortune-telling, and +conjuring. That the narrator might be satisfied whether he had obtained +their confidence or not, he represented his dangerous situation, in the +midst of which, they all with one voice cried, 'Sir, we would kiss your +feet, rather than hurt you!' After manifesting a confidence in return, +the master of this formidable gang, about forty in number, was challenged +by the narrator for a conjuring match. The challenge was instantly +accepted. The Gipsies placed themselves in the circular form, and both +being in the middle, commenced with their conjuring powers to the best +advantage. At last the narrator proposed the making of something out of +nothing. This proposal was accepted. A stone which never existed, was +to be created, and appear in a certain form in the middle of a circle +made on the turf. The master of the gang commenced, and after much +stamping with his foot, and the narrator warmly exhorting him to cry +aloud; like the roaring of a lion, he endeavoured to call forth nonentity +into existence. Asking him if he could do it? he answered, 'I am not +strong enough.' They were all asked the same question, which received +the same answer. The narrator commenced. Every eye was fixed upon him, +eager to behold this unheard-of exploit; but (and not to be wondered at,) +he failed!--telling them, he possessed no more power to _create_ than +themselves. Perceiving the thought of insufficiency pervading their +minds, he thus spoke:--"Now, if you have not power to create a poor +little stone, and if I have not power either; what must that power be, +which made the whole world out of nothing?--men, women, and children! +that power I call God Almighty." + +The night's diversion having received a change, the golden moment was +eagerly seized to impress on their minds the infinite power, holiness, +and justice of their Creator. This being done, the origin of sin, and +the immortality of the soul, were, in the second place, impressed on +their minds. Then followed the awful effects of sin, and the soul's +eternal punishment in hell, because of offending this great God, whose +holiness could not look on sin, and whose justice would punish it. +Representing the soul's eternal punishment by the wrath of an incensed +God, never did the preacher before witness such an effect; the poor +Gipsies, with tremulous voice, crying, '_Did you ever hear the like_! _ +What ever shall we do_?' These expressions gave new energies to the +preacher, and still brighter hopes of a good effect. Going on with the +awful representation, and in the act of turning, as if to leave them, he +bade them the long farewell. 'Never, never more to meet till we meet in +hell! Oh! what a dreadful thing it is, my fellow-sinners, that we have +to part in this world with the thought of meeting in an eternal world of +pains, never to see God! never to see heaven! never to see any thing to +comfort our poor souls! Oh! we are lost, lost, poor souls, we are lost +for ever!--farewell!' In the act of leaving them, these poor creatures +cried, 'Not yet, Sir, not yet.' Now was the glorious moment come, which +the preacher eagerly anticipated of proclaiming the glad tidings of +salvation through a crucified Saviour. Asking how long they would stand +to hear the way of escape from the wrath to come, they instantly lifted +up their voices, answering, 'All night, Sir, all night.' Then the +preacher, without much persuasion, exhibited a Saviour, in all his +sufferings, merits, death, and glory. They were sorry that such a good +being should suffer so much; but the preacher took care to show the +absolute necessity of his sufferings. Their manner bespoke an imperfect +idea of a substitute. This was soon made clear to their understandings +by comparisons, when the master of the gang cried, 'I see it, I see it!' +He was asked what he saw? 'I see Jesus Christ getting between us and +God, and satisfying our great God's justice by dying instead of us.' +This truly made the preacher's heart glad, seeing the great plan of +salvation was so clearly understood by those who declared (although in a +land of light,) they never heard of Jesus Christ before. + +"The preacher sang the hymn:-- + + "How condescending, and how kind + Was God's eternal Son, &c," + +and then ended with prayer. They solicited him to return on the sabbath +morning; he did so, and, as he hopes, under the influence of the Holy +Spirit. The master gratefully accepted of a bible; for though the +Gipsies could not read, a little boy was among them, who was not a Gipsy, +that could read remarkably well, having been taught at a Sunday school at +Hastings, in Sussex. They all joyfully anticipated the pleasure of going +to the Rev. J. Carter's Chapel, of Braintree, in the afternoon, but met +with a disappointment, arising from an unexpected decampment. About one +month after, in the latter end of November, two Gipsy women called on the +narrator, earnestly entreating him to go and preach to them, which they +called conversation. Asking the reason, why they entreated this favour? +their answer was, 'We have heard much about your conversation, sir, and +we should like to hear it. Come, do come, and we will be all ready to +receive you.' Asking who they were that told them of the conversation +just mentioned, they said, 'some of our people, Sir, that you were with +about a month since. They told us a great deal about your conversation, +and we should so much like to hear it. Oh! sir, do come to us poor +creatures, for we have an invitation for you, if you would condescend to +take it, to meet with the Gipsies on Christmas day.' That night, the +narrator walked a few miles to their camp, and in their smoky tent +preached Jesus Christ the only way of salvation, to these poor, despised, +neglected creatures. After being with them two hours and a half, he bade +them farewell, and going behind a hedge, anxious to know what effect the +new unheard of doctrines would produce on their minds, he listened for a +short time. In the midst of conversation with each other, one of them +said, 'Well, I know this, if I could get a house near where that +gentleman lives, and could live by my business, I would send all my +children to that school there, and hear him as long as ever I could +live.' While they were conversing about Adam and Eve, and the evil +effects of sinning against God; one of the women said, 'However, you see, +all the punishment that us women get, is sorrow and pains in +child-bearing.' 'Stop, stop,' says one of the men, 'that won't do, Ann, +that won't do. If sorrow and pains in child-bearing be all the +punishment that women are to have, what punishment must those women have +that do not bear children? You are quite wrong, Ann; you women are as +bad as _us_.' This led on to a further discovery, and the conversation +among themselves was truly interesting. + +"One of the children telling a lie, the mother touched it on the head, +saying, 'What are you telling lies about? Have you forgotten what the +gentleman said to night? You will go to hell, if you tell any more lies. +Let me never hear you tell another, you bad lad, for God will not take +you to heaven.' + +"These, and several remarks about Jesus Christ, afforded no small +pleasure to the preacher, and he hopes that these facts will afford no +small encouragement to the Home Missionary Society. + + "Your very humble + Servant, + "J. H. C." + +Before the author relates one of the most extraordinary anecdotes with +which he is acquainted, one, of which a King and a dying Gipsy are the +characters, he will relate another interesting account of a visit to a +Gipsy camp, which will, it is hoped, prove that such visits are not in +vain, when made in dependence on the Divine blessing. A Gipsy, in great +distress of mind, and with weeping eyes, came to inform him of one of +their people, who was in great anguish of mind, and entreated him to +visit them at the camp, which was several miles distant. The request was +gladly complied with. On arriving at the tent, he found a woman sitting +in a melancholy attitude on the ground; and distress and anguish were +strongly marked in her countenance. She appeared quite indifferent to +any thing that was said; and kept herself apparently engaged with the +sticks and brands around the fire near the mouth of the tent. The man +also appeared very melancholy. We learned that the cause of their +distress was jealousy on the part of the man, who was called her husband. +The circumstance which gave rise to those unhappy feelings had taken +place several years before; yet the poor man has been so unhappy, that he +has often intended to destroy both himself and his wife; and not many +days before this visit to the camp, he had threatened to execute his +purpose. The author talked and prayed with him, and exhorted him to look +to God for strength and grace. Their repeated conversations were made +useful to him, and those miserable feelings were subdued, and he now +lives happily with the woman he had before hated, even to an intention of +murder. This is another evidence, although a distressing one, that a +want of chastity is evil in their sight. + +"A king of England, of happy memory, who loved his people and his God, +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. + +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. + + + + +ERRATA. + + +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. + + + + +Footnotes: + + +{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. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIPSIES' ADVOCATE*** + + +******* This file should be named 19852.txt or 19852.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/8/5/19852 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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