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. _Ble