maintained, this case would probably have resulted in recovery. There are some cases, in which it is clear even to the careless observer, that it is wrong to excite the mind of the patient on any subject. Take, for example, a case of typhus fever. Even though it may not be a severe case, the mental with the physical sensibilities are so blunted and deranged, that no moral or religious influence can do any good. If it rouse the patient’s torpid mind to action, it will only do harm by the disturbance it creates; and if it produces a mild, quiet effect, which may be gratifying to his friends, it is worthy of no confidence, and when he recovers he may have no recollection of the sayings which he uttered, and which would have been garnered and kept, as a sacred treasure, by friendship and love, if death had transported him to another world. In such a case as this, when the mind is in so passive and torpid a condition, the path of duty is clear. But there are some cases in which it is difficult to know what our duty is. We must then decide as well as we can in view of all the circumstances. And let me remark here, that there should be no inconsiderate and irresponsible action at such times; but what is done should be the result of a candid conference between the physician and the friends of the patient. The clergyman should not be disposed to act independently, and from his own judgment alone; but, for obvious reasons, he should consult with the physician in regard to each individual case. Some are very anxious in regard to the spiritual welfare of the sick, when they are thought to be nigh unto death; but if death does not ensue, the moment that convalescence begins their anxiety ceases. Religion with them is altogether a thing for great occasions, and the season of death is of course one of them. Anything which is exciting arouses them to action, and awakens their sympathies for their fellow men. But they make little account of the every day influence which is exerted in their common intercourse—an influence vast in amount in a long life, though it may not be palpable in its results at any one moment. While they would press upon the sick man the solemn and faithful appeal, when they saw him to be near the borders of the grave, and concentrate upon that dread hour all their energies, they would perhaps, if he should recover, not even visit him at all during his convalescence, and the first time they met him they would welcome him back to that worldliness, in which they in common with him so freely indulge.