Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (3).pdf/14

 manner to rave then from a jail, or to support the luxurious and abandoned lives they lead, having every delicacy in season with which their tables are furnished, and cellars stored as a bait to catch gudgeons, who are easily allured thereby. Their consciences being seared, regardless of the censure of the world, or dictates of humanity, and plunged in different vices, without moral sentiment or honor, is it to be wondered at, if even they cheat their father or brother at play, much less their friends, acquaintance, and mankind in general?

If you associate with Sharpers, you must not only expect, but deserve to be cheated by them for your credulity, insufficiency, or stupidity: for who would go with his eyes open into a den of thieves, but in expectation of being robbed? Or who would herd with Sharpers and not expect to be cheated? Therefore my advice is, to shun these reptiles of the creation, fraught with guile, and artful as the serpent to delude. Beware of their conversation, shun their company, take no notice of their tricks and fancies; nor be bought with their wheedling professions of friendship: listen not unto them or their enticements, if you would pre-