Evidence of former acts, how far admissible

(1) Upon the trial of any person for any crime or offence, the court may admit evidence of any former acts done by the accused person which, in the opinion of the court, are relevant as showing knowledge of the probable effect of anything or act, or as proving or disproving good faith or claim of right, or as showing the purpose or intent with which the accused person has formerly done acts similar to the act of which he is accused. (2) Upon the prosecution of an accused person for receiving stolen property knowing it to have been stolen, evidence that the accused person received at different times different articles from the same thief may be given to prove guilty knowledge.