The above remarks have been made, it will be seen, in regard to acute diseases only, and they apply to but a very limited extent to cases of _chronic_ disease. During the lingering days, and weeks, and sometimes months, of such cases, there are many opportunities for exerting an influence upon the sick. And while it is true, that the physician should adhere to the general rule, which I have stated in regard to the effect of hope, it is his duty, and especially is it the duty of the friends, to improve the opportunities which present for the best good of the patient. And here let me say, that it is not the formal and stately conversation, the professional sermonizing, so often made use of, which is really the most effectual; but it is the word dropped from day to day, with a spirit not roused up for the occasion, but breathing forth naturally and easily—it is the instruction suggested by events of daily occurrence, or by remarks which are dropped in common conversation, and accompanied by the affectionate appeal, when it is seen that the proper chord can be struck—this is the kind of influence, which is brought to bear most decidedly upon the moral and religious character of the sick man. It is this that will enter his heart; while the arrows, which are duly heralded by the note of preparation, will fall to the ground, warded off by the shields which he raises against them. Injudicious attempts are sometimes made to influence the sick, both with regard to their temporal, and their eternal interests. I will cite but a single case in illustration. It is a case which was reported by the late Dr. Hale of Boston, in his work on Spotted Fever. Although the patient was so sick, that Dr. H. considered it of the utmost importance that he should be kept quiet, and gave the most positive and authoritative injunctions to this effect, yet a friend, to whom the proper adjustment of the sick man’s affairs, if his sickness was to end in death, was a matter of considerable interest, persisted in harrassing him on this subject. The result was an alarming increase of the disease. The symptoms were afterward, however, so much mitigated, as to give some ground for hope of a recovery. As his mind was clear and rational when he came out of his stupor, “his attendant with a very benevolent but mistaken zeal, thought it more important to improve this opportunity in taking care of his soul’s health, than in administering the remedies which had been prescribed; and, instead of giving the medicines with care and attention, and promoting his rest and quietness, as he ought to have done, and had been strictly enjoined to do, he spent the whole time in talking, and exciting him to talk, of his hopes and prospects beyond the grave.” This conversation was continued for about two hours, and then the patient sank back into a stupor, a state of collapse which was caused by the previous excitement, and he never awoke. If the quietness enjoined by the physician had been