THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
79 
much valuable time may be squandered, and 
our resources expended with no satisfactory 
results. We have entered upon a search into 
the mysteries of Nature, and the true question 
for us to keep in view is, ‘ To what result are we 
aiming?’ The final purpose will have much to 
do in determining the instrumentalities which 
we may use in securing our object and in de¬ 
ciding on the real value of the results. If we 
desire to gain wealth, then we must resort to 
the crucible, hammer, and chisel, and delve in 
the workshop of science. These implements 
will help to fill the pocket, but when success is 
most complete there may still remain but an 
empty and an aching heart. Long and painful 
experience has taught all truly reflecting minds 
that knowledge has a nobler end than to heap 
up sordid treasures or feed the baser appetites. 
To reach this higher good, it has been found 
necessary to get out of the smoke of the testing- 
furnace, the noise of hammer and chisel, and to 
ask not ‘ What will this profit?’ but ‘ Whither does 
it lead ?’ The only way that will grow brighter 
and brighter and culminate in a perfect day is 
that which leads up to the temple of worship, 
the holy place of the Most High. In that Divine 
