I ought to have watched with Mr.
Bayley as much as that came to."

To others he gave China oranges, dishes of marmalet, Meers Cakes,
Banberry Cakes; and even to well-to-do people gave gifts of money,
sometimes specifying for what purpose he wished the gift to be applied.

The universal custom of praying at inordinate length and frequency with
sick persons was of more doubtful benefit, though of equally kind
intent. One cannot but be amazed to find how many persons--ministers,
elders, deacons, and laymen were allowed to enter the sick-room and pray
by the bedside of the invalid, thus indeed giving him, as Sewall said,
"a lift Heavenward." Sometimes a succession of prayers filled the entire
day.

Judge Sewall's friendly prayers and visits were not always welcome.
After visiting sick Mr. Brattle the Judge writes, but without any
resentment, "he plainly told me that frequent visits were prejudicial
to him, it provok'd him to speak more than his strength would bear,
would have me come seldom." And on September 20, 1690, he met with this
reception:

"Mr. Moody and I went before the others came to neighbor Hurd who
lay dying where also Mr. Allen came in. Nurse Hurd told her husband
who was there and what he had to say; whether he desir'd them to
pray with him; He said with some earnestness, Hold your tongue,
which was repeated three times to his wives repeated entreaties;
once he said Let me alone or Be quiet (whether that made a fourth
or was one of the three do not remember) and, My Spirits are gon.
At last Mr. Moody took him up pretty roundly and told him he might
with some labour have given a pertinent answer. When we were ready
to come away Mr. Moody bid him put forth a little Breath to ask
prayer, and said twas the last time had to speak to him; At last
ask'd him, doe you desire prayer, shall I pray with you. He
answered, Ay for Gods sake and thank'd Mr. Moody when had done. His
former carriage was very startling and amazing to us. About one at
night he died. About 11 o'clock I supposed to hear neighbor Mason
at prayer with him just as my wife and I were going to bed."

One cannot but feel a thrill of sympathy for poor, dying Hurd on that
hot September night, fairly hectored by pious, loud-voiced neighbors
into eternity; and can well believe that many a colonial invalid who
lived through mithridate and rubila, through sweating and b