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