Читать книгу Dissertation on the Gipseys онлайн

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The Gipseys are unquestionably of eastern origin, and have eastern notions. There is a principle inherent in uncivilised people, particularly those of Oriental countries, which occasions them to be strongly attached to their own habits: hence every custom, every conception, which has once been current among them, be it ever so pernicious or ridiculous, is invariably preserved; or any affection which has once predominated in their minds, retains its dominion even for ages. Innovations do not easily succeed with people living in a state bordering on that of nature; the least deviation from custom is observed, and often resented with impetuosity. For any new thing to take root it must either be introduced by cunning and force, or be attended with the most favourable circumstances. This latter was the case with Christianity. Providence had called Greeks and Romans into the east, and, by innumerable vicissitudes, had rendered that country ripe for further instruction: then came the great Sower—Christ scattered the seed, and it prospered. Mahomet, on the contrary, before he became strong enough to enforce conviction with the sword, brought about his purpose by art: knowing that the weak side of his countrymen was their veneration for every thing handed down from their forefathers, he gave his new religion the colouring of antiquity.