en every
thing is neat and in order, a feeling of comfort is induced, while
disorder, filth, and neglect, are constant objects of annoyance, which,
if not complained of, are yet felt.

Always prepare food for the sick, in the neatest and most careful
manner. It is in sickness, that the senses of smell and taste are most
susceptible of annoyance; and often, little mistakes or negligences, in
preparing food, will take away all appetite.

Food for the sick, should be cooked on coals, that no smoke may have
access to it; and great care must be taken, to prevent any adherence to
the bottom, as this always gives a disagreeable taste.

Keeping clean handkerchiefs and towels at hand, cooling the pillows,
sponging the hands with water, swabbing the mouth with a clean linen
rag, on the end of a stick, are modes of increasing the comfort of the
sick. Always throw a shawl over a sick person, when raised up.

Be careful to understand a physician's directions, and _to obey them
implicitly_. If it be supposed that any other person knows better about
the case, than the physician, dismiss the physician, and employ that
person in his stead.

In nursing the sick, always speak gently and cheeringly; and, while you
express sympathy for their pain and trials, stimulate them to bear all
with fortitude, and with resignation to Him who has appointed the trial.
Offer to read the Bible, or other devotional books, whenever it is
suitable, and will not be deemed obtrusive.

It is always best to consult the physician, as to where medicines shall
be purchased, and to show the articles to him before using them, as
great impositions are practised in selling old, useless, and adulterated
drugs. Always put labels on vials of medicine, and keep them out of the
reach of children.

Be careful to label all powders, and particularly all _white powders_;
as many poisonous medicines, in this form, are easily mistaken for
others which are harmless.

FOOTNOTE:

[Q] The following electuary, by a distinguished physician, is used by
many friends of the writer, as a standing resort, in cases of
constipation, or where a gentle cathartic is needed. One recommendation
of it, is, that children always love it, and eat the pills as "good
plums."

Two ounces of powdered Senna; one ounce of Cream of Tartar; one ounce of
Sulphur; mixed with sufficient Confection of Senna, to form an
electuary. Make this into pills, of the size of peas, and give a young
child t