"We ought," said Mr. Wilton, "to praise God for the wisdom and goodness displayed in the works of creation. That is the teaching of the Bible in many places; it is also the sentiment of the Bible that God created the world and carries on all things for his own glory, but it nowhere uses the exact language which you have employed. In Isa. xliii. 7, speaking of 'every one that is called by my name,' the Lord says, 'I have created him for my glory.' In Prov. xvi. 4 it is written, 'The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil;' and the four and twenty elders fell before the throne of God saying: 'Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are'--that is, exist--'and were created.' I might quote other texts of similar meaning. We are taught also that our first and supreme aim in all our conduct should be the glory of God. 'Whatever ye do, do it all to the glory of God.' But here two questions arise: What is the glory of God? and, What is it for God to glorify himself by his works of creation and government? Who will tell us?" All were silent, and Mr. Wilton went on speaking: "The word glory means, first and literally, a halo of light. The glory of God is the radiance, or halo, so to speak, of his infinite attributes and holy character. God glorifies himself when he reveals himself, and makes known his character, and causes the uncreated splendor of his attributes to break forth, so that his creatures recognize them and adore him. This, you see, is very different from the idea of glory among ambitious men. God glorified himself in the creation of the physical world, because from that creation his wisdom, power, and goodness are manifest. He glorified himself in the creation of angels and men, because they were created in the image of God and are finite pictures, so to speak, of the infinite Creator--a revelation of his spiritual being and personality. He glorifies himself in his government of the world, because his administration of affairs exhibits his justice, mercy, and holiness. This is what we mean by the glory of God and his working all things for his own glory. This is somewhat difficult for persons of your age, so we will leave it and return to the exact subject of discussion. Admitting that God created the world and governs it for his own glory--that is, to reveal himself--for what specific purpose did he design this earth?" "I don't know," said Peter, "that we understand what you mean by 'specific purpose.'" "Very well, then," said Mr. Wilton; "I will suggest the answer. Does the world seem as if fitted up to be the dwelling-place of holy beings?" "I have never thought of the question before," said Ansel; "but it seems to me that many things in this world would give pain even to angels if they lived here with bodies like ours."