And yet it is in convalescence generally that you can exert the greatest influence upon the sick man. For look at the circumstances of the case. He has just been released from suffering. The recollection of those hours, when thought and feeling and sensation were so confused, and all was dark and dim, is still vivid in his mind. The world, from which he has been thoroughly secluded for a little time, now opens fresh upon him again—a new sun shines upon him, and he looks out upon a new earth. The pure air, as he remembers the stifled breath and the languor of disease, has an invigorating buoyancy that it never had before; and he now for the first time knows the luxury of such common blessings as breathing, and again and again he expands the chest to the full, to see how beautifully it does its work. He feels the genial glow of returning health pervading every part of his system, diffusing elasticity, energy, I had almost said joy, everywhere. And then as he goes forth, he meets on all sides the kind greetings of friends, some of whom had been by his bedside during his sickness. All these circumstances conspire to make both the sensations of his body and the feelings of his heart agreeable, and thus open the avenues to moral and religious influences. And then, too, the cares and selfishness of the world have not yet resumed their control over him. When, I ask, could there be a better time to awaken in that man’s heart proper feelings towards his Maker, and toward all around him. As he comes out afresh into life, with something of the simplicity of a child, disencumbered by his sickness of the entanglements which had gathered around his mind and heart in the midst of temptation and sin, how easily can he be led to appreciate what is right, and good, and enduring, in this evil and transitory world. His mind is not now weakened, nor his sensibilities blunted or deranged by disease. There is no dim vision now, but he sees things as they are, and his sensibilities are lively and ready to respond to the touch of the hand of friendship, like the chords of a newly-attuned instrument that gives forth its clear and harmonious sounds to delight the ear. I cannot dismiss the subject of the moral influence of physicians without adverting to one topic, which I deem to be of no small importance.