8 o 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
Presence true science forgets abstractions and 
utility, and most devoutly worships. Standing 
in the vestibule of this sacred fane, the language 
and purposes of the school and counting-room 
are as much out of place as were the doves for 
sale and the coins of the money-changers in 
the Jewish temple of old. Brought there as 
devout offerings by the sincere worshipper, Je¬ 
hovah received them as acceptable tokens and 
blest the giver with his favor; but when avarice 
cumbered the sacred courts with these objects 
for the purpose of barter and gain, they were a 
pollution and an offence, and the profane own¬ 
ers were scourged thence with indignation. 
“ The study of Nature has a scientific and a 
utilitarian aspect, but they are in the lower 
plane of investigation, and they only reach the 
higher and noblest purpose of all knowledge 
who learn 
‘ To look through Nature up to Nature’s God.’ 
“Knowledge that brings the soul nearer to 
God and feeds it with the fellowship of his love 
is more to be desired than much fine gold or 
treasures of precious stones. Therefore the 
earlier in life a desire for such knowledge be- 
