THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 325 
turous astonishment at the number of heavenly 
vistas which will be opened unto us. Quite 
often they open up unexpectedly by the wayside, 
or from the pillar of stone on which we have 
sought rest, sad and wayworn. The first round 
of the ladder may be near to the earthly foot¬ 
resting, but ever and surely it leads up to the 
brightness of a heavenly communion if we but 
follow the angelic guidance which is ever at¬ 
tendant. Blessed with such sweet visions, we 
shall learn to unsandal our feet where we have 
often been walking unconscious of the Holy 
Presence which consecrated the path we were 
treading. On the way to the earthly Canaan 
the Egyptians and the Israelites looked upon 
the same cloud; but to the one it was the 
blackness of darkness, while to the other it 
was the glorious Shekinah of Jehovah’s pres¬ 
ence. And thus it will be with all searchers. 
If the look is earthward, the darkness will hide 
all in a pall of doubt and death; but whenever 
and wherever the contemplation is Godward, the 
path will be radiant, leading into clearer light and 
serener happiness, until that presence is finally 
reached where there is ‘ fulness of joy.’ 
“ The radiant ladder which we have been as- 
28 
