The PREFACE.

a proportionable Distribution of Punishments for their Crimes. The Guilty cannot but allow, that their own ill Management and Behaviour in Life brings the deserved Fate of their Iniquities on their own Head, the necessary Consequence of their Wickedness on their own Pate. And those, to whom the Knowledge of Actions being punished according to their Malignity shall by any Means be conveyed, cannot but be pleased to see, or hear, how Justice is dealt forth with an equal and impartial Hand. And now,

As I am about to enter on an Office, or Duty, which may in some Measure be said to be New to me, it seems to be expected I should declare what my Proceedings shall hereafter be with Respect to the unhappy Persons, in that melancholy Situation I shall from Time to Time meet with them. And the Reason for such Expectation may be, not only as 'tis customary, but, as I have before observed, because the Public is partly concerned for the good or evil Tendency of every private Man's Actions, and to provide that Rewardsand Punishments be proportioned to Actions.

In few Words then be it known, that my Attendance shall be constantly and daily, pursuant to the Order of my Worthy Patrons the Lord Mayor, and Court of Aldermen; to whom I beg Leave to take this Opportunity of returning my hearty and sincere Acknowledgments of their Favour, and of assuring them, that the unhappy Prisoners shall from Time to Time be instructed in their Duty publickly and privately, according to the best of my Power. To which may God more and more enable me!

Whatever they shall think fit to acquaint me with in Respect to their Life and Conversation, shall faithfully and ingenuously be dealt forth in almost their own Words, as Occasion offers; sometimes indeed begging Allowance for a better Dress, than the Ideas and Thoughts of some of them, who may be altogether illiterate and ignorant, can be supposed by them to be expressed, when delivered to me.

This, I hope, is sufficient for the present. May God continue to me his Grace, and Strength, to pursue my present Undertaking, to help forward the Salvation of such Wretches, as most need Help. And, the Sincerity of my Intentions may be a Reason, why the Public might receive with Candour and Good-Nature the present Sheets, and others that may hereafter come before them from my Hands.

John Taylor< no role > .