A clergyman had preached on the subject of Jacob’s ladder, and his son was much impressed. A few days later he told his father that he had dreamed about the discourse.
“And what did you see my son?”
“I dreamt,” replied the boy, “that I saw a ladder reaching up into the clouds. At the foot of the ladder were many pieces of chalk, and no one was allowed to ascend without taking a piece for the purpose of placing a mark on each rung for each sin committed.”
“Very interesting, my boy, and what else?”
“Well, dad. I thought I would go up, but I hadn’t got very far when I heard someone coming down.”
“Yes,” said the father, “and who was that?”
“You, dad,” replied the boy.
“I? Whatever was I coming down for?”
“More chalk.”
