put
his notes and money in a wrapper and lock it up in a box, she obtained
the liberty of seeing it in his presence, that she might pronounce
certain words over it; and although narrowly watched, she contrived to
steal it, and to convey into the box a parcel similar in appearance, but
which on examination, contained only a bundle of rubbish. This money
amounted to several hundred pounds. She was immediately pursued and
taken with the whole amount about her person. She was also allowed to
escape justice, because the covetous old man neither wished to expose
himself, nor waste his money in a prosecution.

The daughter of this woman has followed the same evil and infamous
practices; and the crime has descended to her through several
generations. Many circumstances like the above are hid to prevent the
shame that would assuredly follow their exposure. But the day of Christ
will exhibit both these deceivers and their dupes, who are equally
heinous in the sight of God. It were well if such characters had paid
more attention to the words of the apostle Paul--_And having food and
raiment_, _let us therewith be content_. _They that will be rich_, _fall
into temptation_, _and a snare_, _and into many foolish and hurtful
lusts_, _which drown men in destruction_. _The love of money is the root
of all __evil_; _which_, _while some have coveted after_, _they have
erred from the faith_, _and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows_.

Not to mention many other facts with which the author is acquainted, and
which he would relate, were he not likely thereby too much to enlarge his
work, he will conclude this chapter with observing, that, thankfulness to
Almighty God, for the blessings we enjoy, less anxiety about future
events, and more confidence in what God has revealed in his word and
providence, would leave no room for the encouragement of Gipsy
fortune-tellers, and their craft would soon be discontinued.

CHAP. IV. The Character, Manners, and Habits of the English Gipsies,
continued.

Among this poor and destitute people, instances of great guilt, depravity
and misery are too common; nor can it be otherwise expected, while they
are destitute of the knowledge of salvation in a crucified and ascended
Saviour. One poor Gipsy, who had wandered in a state of wretchedness,
bordering on despair, for nearly forty years, had not in all that time,
_heard of the Name which is above every name_; _for there is salvati