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THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
most fascinating studies to the scientist, and is 
as rich a marvel to-day as ever; and what other 
strange secrets it has, with which to reward the 
searcher, time alone can determine. 
“ Considered only in a material point of view, 
the adjustment of the atmosphere is a gift wor¬ 
thy of the divine Hand that bestowed it. It is 
the breath of every living thing and the essen¬ 
tial of all vegetable growth. It comes with 
health-throbbings to the lungs, and fills our 
barns with plenty: Yea, thou hast visited the 
earth, and watered it from thy chambers; thou 
greatly enrichest it; the river of God is full of 
water; thou waterest the mountains abundantly; 
yea, thou makest the earth soft with showers; 
thou blessest the springing thereof; thou crown- 
est the year with thy goodness, and thy paths 
drop fatness. 
“ But let it not be forgotten that the present 
study has a higher purpose than filling barn 
and stomach; the craving immortal soul is 
awaiting gratification. Our look is upward, and 
with such aspirations the storehouse is forgot¬ 
ten. The treasures now sought are undefiled 
by touch of earthly interest; they are reserved 
in heaven, and we are now seeking a foretaste of 
