The Emperor Moth
We love to see this very handsome British moth flying about in the sunshine. It is remarkable for the "eye spots" to be seen on the wings of both male and female. When in caterpillar stage it is green and studded with pink warts, and seems to feed chiefly on heather. The caterpillar constructs a cocoon (a kind of covering) round itself, which has an opening of such a size that the exit of the moth is just possible with a little squeezing. That it is only a very small opening has much to do with the development and beauty of the wings. The effort of getting out forces juices into the vessels of the wings, and causes them to be perfect in structure and beautiful in design.
On one occasion, a gentleman noticing the struggle that was going on, thought it would be kind to cut the fibres, make the opening a little larger, so that it would be easier for the moth to emerge. This was done, but when the moth did emerge its wings were not fully developed, nor were they so beautiful as is generally the case, the moth could not fly properly. The mistaken kindness of the gentleman had spoilt the wings.
We all have to meet temptation to sin, and to develop a good, strong, and beautiful character we must, by God's help, fight against them. This is often a big struggle, but the more we resist and struggle with temptation the stronger we become. You remember the hymn you often sing in Sunday School and Church, "Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin." One of the lines in this hymn runs as follows: "Each victory will help you some other to win." This is very true, for the more often, by God's help, we overcome temptation, the stronger we become in character. Our wings of faith develop, and we are able to soar to higher heights of goodness.
The lesson that the Emperor Moth teaches us is that we must expect to have to struggle with temptation, but that if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, and by His help, fight against it, we shall become more like Him, who is "The Rose of Sharon" and the altogether lovely.
