Gypsy Smith, His Life and Work

by Gipsy Smith, G. Campbell Morgan (Introduction), Alexander MacLaren (Introduction)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII MY FIRST VISIT TO AMERICA FROM 1886 to 1889 I was busy conducting missions among the churches. My experiences from the beginning convinced me that my decision to do the work of an evangelist was right. But during these three years I spent some months full of fear and dismal apprehension. In 1886 I was seized by a painful and distressing throat ailment, which rendered it impossible for me to preach or sing. Sir Morell Mackenzie, whom I consulted, said that the vocal cords had been unduly strained. I had been using my voice in public singing and speaking without a prolonged rest, or any rest at all, for years, and the efforts now began to tell on me severely. For about nine months I was forced to abstain altogether from singing or preaching. I do not desire to spend such another nine months again. My readers, considering the busy full life I had led for years, will easily understand how sore and heavy a cross these passive nine months were. It was, besides, a severe test of faith. Our little stock of savings very quickly diminished, and we had started on our last 5 before I was able to take up my work again. I was recommended to consult the Rev. Mr. Sandilands, the Vicar of Brigstock, who was a specialist on voice production, and on the diseases of the throat to which clergymen and other public speakers are subject. I spent a fortnight in the Brigstock Vicarage. Mr. Sandilands' treatment was so successful that in a day or two I was reading the lessons in church for him. I believe that the long rest had all but cured me of my ailment, but I was nervous and depressed on the subject, and Mr. Sandilands did me the great service of establishing my confidence in my voice. Before I had left him I was using my voice for five...

Genres: Biography

74 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Rodney "Gipsy" Smith - a British evangelist who conducted evangelistic campaigns in the United States and Great Britain for over 70 years.

Reviews

[Nikolas Larum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book as part of my ongoing research for my next Gypsy Spy novel. Originally published in 1901, it is the autobiography of Rodney Smith penned when he was just forty year's of age and still had 30+ years of ministry ahead of him. The simplicity of the composition and archaicness of some of its language is part of its charm. Mr. Smith's retelling of his life and missions up to the time of publication is honest and without guile. I found myself laughing frequently and near tears often as his tenderhearted presentation of the Gospel shines through the retelling of his life. The challenges he faced as an underprivileged, uneducated, tent-dwelling, caravan-travelling English Gypsy boy who desired nothing more than to preach the Gospel were many indeed. How the Lord worked through this dedicated and humble servant is inspiring to say the least.

Smith was involved in much of the revival work occurring through the early years of the Salvation Army and the different Methodist and Weslayan outreaches that were occurring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dedication of men and women such as himself is a tremendous reminder of the need and cost of reaching others for Christ. If you are interested in evangelistic work, church history, or English Gypsy culture at the turn of the last century then this book is for you.

[Jeanette Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was more about what Gypsy Smith did and less about about what God did through him. I actually couldn't finish reading it.

[Adrian Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first pages about the death of his mother are very moving. Somehow the pages about his later missions lack the same impact.

[D McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book about someone who truly gave their life to sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ

[Charles Smith]

A beautiful book about a trophy of Grace for the Lord Jesus Christ. His life is what God can do thru a person who is totally in love with God. Should be mandatory reading for every Christian to learn about this evangelist whose life covers from Victorian England to the Atomic Age. He was the last of the great Evangelists.