Page:Life of the honourable Col. James Gardiner (1).pdf/16

 so debate the matter with any, under the consciousness or such superiority in the goodness of his cause.

A remarkable instance of this happened about the middle of the year 1720, on his first return to make any considerable abode in England after his remarkable change. He had heard on the other side of the water, that it was currently reported among his companions at home that he was stark mad; a report at which no reader, who knows the wisdom of the world in these matters, will be much surprised. He hence concluded that he should have many battles to fight, and was willing to dispatch the business as fast as he could. And therefore, being to spend a few days at the countryhouse of a person of distinguished rank, with whom he had been very intimate, he begged the favour of him that he would contrive matters so, that, a day or two after he came down, several of their former gay companions at his Lordship’s table; that he might have an opportunity of making his apology to them, and acquainted them with the nature and reasons of his change. It was accordingly agreed to; and a pretty large company met on the day appointed, with previous notice that Major Gardiner would be there. A good deal of raillery passed at dinner, to which the Major made very little answer. But when the cloth was taken away, and the servants had retired, he begged their patience for a few minutes, and then plainly and seriously told them what notions he entertained of virtue and religion, and on what considerations he had absolutely determined, that by the grace of God, he would make them the care and business of his life, whatever he might love by it, and whatever censure and contempt he might incur. He well knew how improper it was, in such company, to relate the extraordinary manner in which he was awakened; which they would probably have interpreted as a demonstration of lunacy against all the gravity and solidity of his discourse: but he contented himself with such a rational defence bf a sober, righteous, and godly life, as he knew none of them could with any shadow of