Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (2).pdf/3

(3) For theſe neceſſary and ſalutary purpoſes the following deſcription was written, to put the unwary on their guard, that they may avoid the ſnares of deceivers; to diſplay the various practices made uſe of, to cheat and defraud, and to caution them againſt credulity and plauſible fiction, which too often are productive of as bad conſequences as the more barefaced crimes herein ſpecified.

reader will obſerve, that in general I have addreſſed myſelf to countrymen and women, for the following reaſons: As they are at a diſtance from London, and, perhaps, having imbibed too favourable and flattering ideas of its wealth, magnitude, and grandeur, may be induced thereby to repair to the metropolis, rather than remain in the country: and, before they have been in town twenty-four hours, are frequently ruined by the fonts and daughters of diſſipation, who lie in wait to deceive and deſtroy all who are ſo unfortunate as to fall into their clutches: In order likewiſe, to put thoſe whoſe busineſs demands their preſence in London, on their guard: againſt frauds, cheats, and impoſters, I have diſplayed the various new methods they practiſe in purſuit of their villainous and illicit proceedings, the better to enable my country