2.58 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. escape, he fled into the fields and crept into a ditch, where he remained about three days, till search for him was over; and then, by the help of friends, he went in disguise to London. After 'concealing himself for some time in the city, andat various places in the country, he went to Bed- ford, where, though an entire stranger, he commenced the practice of physic ; but still remained very debauched in his life. He was greatly addicted to drunkenness, swear- ing, gaming, and similar immoral practices, In his gaming he usually found himselfa loser, which made himsometimes discontented, and resolve to leave off the practice ; but his resolutions were soon broken, and he returned to his old course. One night, having lost fifteen pounds, he became almost outrageous, attended with most reproachful thoughts of God ; butlooking into one of Mr. Bolton's books some- thing laid fast hold upon his conscience, and brought him for the first time to a deep sense of his sins. Under these, painful convictions he laboured for about a month, when God by his word so discovered to him the forgiveness of his sins, through faith in, Jesus Christ, that, as he used to say, he never lost sight of it afterwards. Mr. Gifford having thus tasted that the Lordwas gracious, presently sought an intimate acquaintance with the religious people in Bedford, whom he had before grievously perse-' cuted, and had even resolved to murder the minister who had occasionally preached to them. indeed, he had been a man of so profligate and base a character, that they werefor some timejealous ofhis profession ; but he, being naturally of a bold spirit, still thrust himself among them, both in their public meetings and private company. Having made sufficient trial, they embraced him as a disciple and a brother ; and after 'some time he began to preach among them. The very first sermon he preached was made instrumental in the conversion of a female, whose future life became an ornament to her profession. He afterwards col- lected the most pious persons in the congregation- together; and, having repeatedly assembled and prayed to God for his direction and blessing, they formed themselves into a chrisfian church. They were twelve in all, including Mt.- Gifford, and all ancient and grave christians, and well known to- one another. Here was laid the foundation of that religious society of which the celebrated Mr. John Bunyan was afterwards pastor, and - which exists and flourishes at the present time. It was formed upon strict
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