THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
281 
thus there is continually shooting up from every 
ocean-surface an infinite number of these tiny 
watery globes to diffuse themselves among the 
fixed gases of the atmosphere, forming vapor 
of water. Unlike the elements among which 
these watery globes mingle, the moisture of 
the air constantly varies in form and quantity 
as circumstance may require, now condensed 
into storm-clouds, pregnant with thunderbolts 
and falling torrents, and now distilling in gen¬ 
tle summer rains or evening dews. Its form 
changes from the liquid drop into the driving 
hail or the fall of fleecy snow. How marvel¬ 
lous the work! and how sublimely expressed 
in the inspired word !—‘ When God uttereth his 
voice he causeth the vapors to ascend from the 
earth,’ and ‘ there is a multitude of water in the 
heavens.’ ‘ He bindeth up the waters in his 
thick clouds, and the cloud is not rent under 
them.’ ‘ Dost thou know the balancing of the 
clouds, the wonderful work of him who is per¬ 
fect in knowledge?’ 
“ Considered simply as to intricacy of design 
and perfection of accomplishment, the atmo¬ 
sphere is perhaps the grandest exhibition of 
creative wisdom. It has ever been one of the 
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