Page:Anecdotes of singular and remarkable conversions.pdf/3

Rh to me, he said, “Man, go about your business: I did not send for you, nor do I want you: you do me no good: surely my sufferings are great enough, and you distress me exceedingly.” The more I endeavoured to pacify him, the more his anger kindled against me. I therefore sat, and silently lifted up my heart to God for wisdom to direetdirect [sic] me. It appeared as if I had no possibility of success, unless I could obtain consent to sit up with him all night. I asked, entreated, and would not be denied: I told them what an excellent nurse I was, and I hoped we should have a comfortable night: if they pleased I would go home and fetehfetch [sic] some currant-jelly, and other things proper for a person in his situation;— that I would bring some refreshment for myself, that I might be no expence to them;— that a night of sound sleep would refresh the old mother, who seemed almost worn out.— That I would instruct him in the best manner I was able;— and that if there were a change for death, I would awake the mother, that she might see her son die, &c. &c. Taking it for granted I had prevailed, I hastened home, and returned as soon as possible, and found they had not lookedlocked [sic] me out.

The young man received me with sullen silence. After some conversation, I prevailed upon the mother to go to bed. As the young man was not able to lie down, he remained in his large chair day and night. I told him I had brought a Bible with me, and if he pleased I would read to him, to which he consented. After I had prayed, I read and expounded those parts which were applicable to his state. “What! (he said) you are beginning again, you certainly will kill me: it does so hurt me to talk.— Oh that my mother was but here!” I said, “My dear child you do not need to talk: I won’t ask you one