Page:Vice punished, and virtue rewarded (1).pdf/10

Mr, Forward, whom we left a while ago, pursuing his pleasures and wicked inclinations, had long before this time been reduced to poverty, and like many other thoughtless wretches, betook himself to the high way and gaming-table, in hopes of recovering a lost fortune. He had followed this destructive trade with some success, above three years without being discovered; but was at length taken near Enfield, and brought to his trial at the Old-Bailey, during his fellow-apprentice's mayoralty, and, cast for his life When he was brought to the bar to receive sentence, his Lordship recollecting Mr. Froward's name, examined who he was. and asked if he was not the person that served his time with Mr. Alderman ———, in Cheapside. This he positively denied; but not withstanding he used all possible means to disguise himself, his person and speech betrayed him. My Lord animited with the principles of compassion and benevolence, and imagining that his design of concealing himself in this wretched situation, might very probably proceed