ing to help to support me that I might not commit
any wickedness, but I could not take her advice, but still ran on in
my wicked course of life, till I was overtaken by my folly. For if
we think ourselves safe in committing sin, God will certainly find
such out, because He is just, and will punish accordingly. This my
miserable end, I would have all take warning by, and that they
follow not the devices of the world, the snares whereof are apt to
lead men into evil courses, unless they endeavour to shun them, and
seek the grace of God to assist and enable them for the good of all
men, and ask pardon of God for my evil doings, and forgiveness of
all whom I have wronged, and particularly the forgiveness of God to
those who have sworn away my life. I beg reflections pass not upon
my wife, for I declare, whatever wrongs she may have committed, was
through my persuasion, of herself being inclinable to good. I would
lastly request that the follies and vices which have brought me to
this untimely end may not by any means be a cause to afflict my
grievous parents, both father and mother, but would have all to
consider when ever they are persuaded to any manner of ways, tending
to their ruin, they would likewise remember to call upon God to help
and assist them, in shunning such, and all other wicked courses.
Good people, pray for me, that God may receive me through his
mercies, which I trust he will.

Newgate, August 22nd, 1729.

Joseph Kemp

The Life of BENJAMIN WILEMAN, a Highwayman

Amongst the many other ill consequences of a debauched life and wicked
conversation, it may be reckoned, perhaps, no small one that they render
men liable to suspicions, imprisonments and even capital punishment,
when at the same time, they may be innocent of the particular fact with
which they are charged; nor in such a case is the conviction of an
innocent person so great a reflection on any, as on themselves having
rendered such an accusation probable.

Benjamin Wileman, of whom we are now to speak, was the son of honest
parents in the city of Dublin. They gave him a very good education at
school, and when he was fit to go out apprentice, his father bred him to
his own trade, which was that of a tailor. When he grew weary of that
business, he listed himself as a soldier, and in that state of life
passed twelve years, a sufficient space of ti