As explained before, Gifford’s friends were almost all outside of Particular Baptist circles. I noted his personal friendship with George Whitefield and his preaching for him. Whitefield was, of course, already famous. And with other early friends such as Sir Richard Ellys, it seems that Gifford’s mental gifts, manner, and spirituality gained him connections in prestigious places. This is somewhat surprising since he remained a staunch dissenter. But his life was filled with service to good causes, including those not in precise alignment with his own religious convictions.
