320 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
done already will pay a thousand times for all 
our efforts; and, besides, I am persuaded that 
the relish they have already in doing good will 
remove all desire to waste their lives in idle loi¬ 
terings or trifling amusements.” 
” I am quite sure that you are right in that 
conclusion, sister,” added the brother, “for I 
happen to know that they return to their stud¬ 
ies with firm resolves to make the best possible 
use of their opportunities; and when they form 
such a purpose it means something.” 
“Well,” said the father, “let us thank God 
for the past, and hope and pray for a greater 
blessing in the future; and so we commend 
them to God and the word of his grace.” 
