TO THE CITIZENS OF London and Westminster.



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OF

London and Westminster.


GENTLEMEN,

Experience has confirm'd you in that everlasting Maxim, that there is
no other way to protect the Innocent, but by Punishing the Guilty.

Crimes ever were, and ever must be unavoidably frequent in such
populous Cities as yours are, being the necessary Consequences, either
of the Wants, or the Depravity, of the lowest part of the humane
Species.

At this time the most flagrant Offences, as Burning of Dwellings;
Burglaries, and Highway Robberies abound; and Frauds common
Felonies, and Forgeries are practic'd without Number; thus not only
your Properties, but even your very Lives are every way struck at.

The Legislative Power has not been wanting in providing necessary and
wholesome Laws against these Evils, the executive part whereof
(according to your great Privileges) is lodged in your own Hands: And
the Administration hath at all times applyed proper Remedies and
Regulations to the Defects which have happen'd in the Magistracy
more immediately under their Jurisdiction.

Through the just and salutary Severities of the Magistrates, publick
excessive Gaming has been in a manner Surpress'd; and some late
Examples of divine Vengeance have overtaken certain of the most
notorious lewd Prostitutes of the Town, which together with the
laudable endeavours of the great and worthy Societies, has given no
small check to that enormous and spreading Vice.

But here's a Criminal bids Defiance to your Laws, and Justice who
declar'd and has manifested that the Bars are not made that can either
keep him Out, or keep him In, and accordingly hath a second time
fled from the very Bosom Of Death.

His History will astonish! and is not compos'd of Fiction, Fable, or
Stories plac'd at York, Rome, or Jamaica, but Facts done at your
Doors, Facts unheard of, altogether new, Incredible, and yet
Uncontestable.

He is gone once more upon his wicked Range in the World. Restless
Vengeance is pursuing, and Gentlemen 'tis to be hoped that she will be
assisted by your Endeavours to bring to Justice this notorious
Offender.
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