THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
31 
self, I fear I have been more diligent in study¬ 
ing out the defects of the false than in finding 
out the principles of the true, and in noting the 
failures of others rather than in aiming to keep 
in the right path myself.” 
“ Well, Lew,” was the reply, “ I see that you 
were cut out for a black coat and a white neck¬ 
tie, but I fear you have chosen a hard subject 
for your trial sermon.” 
Pardon me, Charley,” said Rudolph; “ I did 
not mean to play the preacher. I was only ex¬ 
pressing my thoughts, with the hope of saying 
something that would mitigate your despond¬ 
ency, leaving a cure for other times and abler 
teachers.” 
“Ah, thank you kindly,” replied his friend, 
“ but I fear the disease is too deeply seated for 
hopeful medication; and so good-night.” 
“Good-night,” was the rejoinder, “and happy 
be thy dreams, with brighter skies in the morn¬ 
ing!” 
