---

An ant could tell us strange things. She could tell about the houses they live in, some of which are forty stories high, twenty stories being dug out, one beneath another, under the earth, and twenty stories being built up over them, above ground; she could tell about the different kinds of trades they follow, how some are miners, and dig down into the ground; some are masons, and build very curious houses, with long walls, supported by pillars, and covered over with arched ceilings. She could tell how some are carpenters, who build houses out of wood, having many chambers which communicate with each other by entries and galleries; how some are nurses, and spend their whole time taking care of the young ones; some are labourers, and are made, like slaves, to work for their masters; while some are soldiers, whose only business it is to mount guard, and stand ready to defend their friends and fellow-citizens. The ants teach:

I. A LESSON OF INDUSTRY. The ant is a better example of industry than even the bee.

II. A LESSON OF PERSEVERENCE. They never get discouraged by any difficulties they may meet with. Perseverance conquers all things.

III. A LESSON OF UNION. The benefits of being united, and working together. The union of the ants both preserves them safely and enables them to do great good.

IV. A LESSON OF KINDNESS. Ants are a very happy set of creatures. There seems to be nothing like selfishness among them.

V. A LESSON OF PRUDENCE, or looking ahead. The power to think about the future, and to prepare for it.

(R. Newton, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

WEB: Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;