Читать книгу Dissertation on the Gipseys онлайн

5 страница из 36

The same means that helped Mahomet with the Arabians, have been, in latter times, very serviceable to the Jesuits, in China. How would these cunning fathers have obtained admission for their religion among the Chinese, had they not referred to Confucius, in aid of their doctrines? These are only instances of changes in religion; but the case is precisely the same in other things. In the eastern nations, no improvement is adopted, be it of what kind it may, merely because it is an improvement. The Chinese are acquainted with the use of glass; yet their mirrors are always made of metal, and their windows of oyster-shells. Mechanical watches have been for ages used at the court of Pekin; but the bulk of the nation depend upon fire and water. ssss1

It is evident from the above, that the Gipseys, by reason of their eastern origin, and consequent way of thinking, are not easily made to change their principles and habits. When we further consider the circumstances under which these people have hitherto existed, we want nothing more to make us comprehend why they have remained, to the present time, what they were at their first arrival in Europe.