326 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
cending had its foot resting in the dull ooze of 
a frog-pond, dull only till our eyes were un¬ 
sealed to behold its hidden marvels. Step by 
step, as its rounds have been climbed, the reve¬ 
lation has grown brighter and brighter, until a 
blaze of glory has been reached which the 
dazed vision cannot penetrate. Yet to what the 
ascent leads is as surely known as the resting- 
place of its foot which has been examined so 
carefully. It conducts upward to the throne 
and presence of Jehovah himself. 
“ During the progress of the ascent we have 
never paused to ask, ‘ What shall it profit ?’ 
Purse and scrip have been left behind. No 
need has been felt for the one nor attempts 
made to fill the other. Even the insatiate cry 
of Science, ‘ What is it ?’ has not been the bur¬ 
den of our inquiries. A higher purpose and 
joy has guided all the way along. The divine 
presence and goodness have been sought in 
every research, from the invisible mote in the 
water-drop to the incomprehensible majesty of 
the heavens; and everywhere and in everything 
infinite skill and beneficent wisdom have been 
gloriously manifested. 
“ And have the more mundane searchers, who 
