Previously Abused Puppy

Question
Hi I recently rescued a beautiful cockerspaniel from a very abusive home but he has developed some very bad habits that I don't know how to deal with. First of all he has his nights and day mixed. I tried to put him on a feeding schedule but he is so malnutritioned that it scares me not to leave his food out at night. But doing that he then has alot of accidents during the night. When I take him out during the day. He always goes potty. So the potential of being potty trained is there but Its just not sticking. He is five months old and seems to be the perfect dog. He only eats at night as well it seems. When I got him he was way to skinny you could feel most of his bones and his skin kind of hanged there I felt so bad I had to take him home. He is the first dog I have ever had so this is all real new. I don't want him to feel scared or abused anymore so I will not put him in a crate as others have said. So I am kind of in the dark as to what to do. I hope that you can help and Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Answer
   First of all, I'd like to congratulate you on rescuing him. It was the right thing to do. :)
   Your friends were right; you don't want to leave an animal in a crate, especially if he/she was abused. Continue to feed him twice a day: once in the morning and once at night, even after he gains weight. Feed him Kirkland Chicken, Vegetable, and Rice Dry Dog Food (Puppy Version). It can be purchased at Costco. It has a rating of about 110%! Feed him according to the directions on the back of the bag, and eventually he will gain weight.
   As for comforting him, I recommend spending as much time with him as possible, giving him puppy massages on his belly, arms, and shoulders. Talk to him in comforting voices. He will need more time than most dogs to adjust. If you have any other questions, be sure to ask! Thanks!