At least how many weighings of a balanced scale are needed to order four stones with distinct weights from the lightest to the heaviest?

$ 
\textbf{(A)}\ 4
\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 5
\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 6
\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 7
\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 8
$
1. **Label the stones**: Let the four stones be labeled as \( A, B, C, \) and \( D \).

2. **Initial weighings**: 
   - Weigh \( A \) against \( B \).
   - Weigh \( C \) against \( D \).

3. **Determine the lightest pair**:
   - Suppose \( A \) is lighter than \( B \) and \( C \) is lighter than \( D \).
   - Weigh the lighter ones from each pair: \( A \) against \( C \).

4. **Identify the lightest stone**:
   - If \( A \) is lighter than \( C \), then \( A \) is the lightest.
   - If \( C \) is lighter than \( A \), then \( C \) is the lightest.

5. **Order the remaining stones**:
   - Suppose \( A \) is the lightest. We now need to order \( B, C, \) and \( D \).
   - Weigh \( B \) against \( C \).
     - If \( B \) is lighter than \( C \), weigh \( B \) against \( D \).
       - If \( B \) is lighter than \( D \), the order is \( A, B, D, C \).
       - If \( D \) is lighter than \( B \), the order is \( A, D, B, C \).
     - If \( C \) is lighter than \( B \), weigh \( C \) against \( D \).
       - If \( C \) is lighter than \( D \), the order is \( A, C, D, B \).
       - If \( D \) is lighter than \( C \), the order is \( A, D, C, B \).

6. **Minimum number of weighings**:
   - Each weighing provides one result, and with \( n \) weighings, there are \( 2^n \) possible outcomes.
   - To distinguish between \( 4! = 24 \) possible orderings, we need at least \( \log_2(24) \approx 4.58 \) weighings.
   - Since the number of weighings must be an integer, we round up to 5.

Thus, at least 5 weighings are needed to order the four stones.

The final answer is \( \boxed{5} \)