"I must confess, boys, it does seem very much like thinking; and if it was not thinking, we must at any rate own that it was something which, _in this case_, did quite as well; for no thought of man could have hit upon a better plan. But if the ant knew how to think as a man does, do you suppose it would ever have made the mistake? Would not the workmen have all agreed beforehand what they were to do, and how it should be done, so that there might be no need of pulling down any of the work because it would not suit? I think that this story, boys, while it shows us something like reason in _one_ particular instance, shows us also that _in general_ the ant has not reason like ours. But I am tired now, and can tell you no more this morning. When you come again I shall be ready to talk with you about some other kinds of ants. But before you go, tell me--can any of you inform me what the Bible says about the ant?" "Oh yes, Uncle Philip: it says, 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise.'" "Well, another question. Have you any lessons to say when you go into school on Monday?" "Yes, Uncle Philip; we have." "Have you learned them, boys?" "No, sir." "Then remember what the Bible says to the sluggard, and go and learn them at once. Good-by, children." "Good-by, Uncle Philip: we will learn our lessons." CONVERSATION XII. _Uncle Philip tells the Boys about Ants that go to War and fight Battles; and about some that are Thieves, and have Slaves._ "Well, my lads, how do you do to-day?" "Very well, Uncle Philip, we thank you. And we wish to let you know that we kept our promise to learn our lessons. Our teacher was very well satisfied with every one of us." "That is well, boys. I am truly glad to hear this from you: and I make no doubt that you also felt a great deal happier than you would have done had you neglected to learn your lessons. Did you not?" "Oh yes, Uncle Philip, much happier; and far more cheerful and good-natured." "Such are apt to be the feelings, boys, of those who have done their _duty_. I am verily persuaded that there is no such thing as real, solid happiness in this world, but in that man who acts from a sense of duty. His is true peace, because it is 'the peace of God.' I do not say, boys, that a man, even when he does his duty, _always_ feels comfortable or happy _at once_; but he will be more apt to feel so than if he did not do his duty: and I do say that no man who does not act from a sense of duty, is likely to feel any thing like happiness very often or very long." "Then, Uncle Philip, a man who wishes to be happy will try in the first place to find out what his duty is."