THERE was, many years ago, in Germany, a countess, who, refused to believe that there is a God, or a resurrection, or of a judgment to come. She was so anxious to show her unbelief that she caused to be prepared an extremely strong tomb, made of massive blocks of hard stone, joined together with great pieces of iron. Man’s utmost power was put forth to render it impossible to open this tomb when it should once be properly closed. On the heavy slab which formed the lid, or cover, were engraved the following words; “This burial place, purchased to all eternity, must never be opened.”
But “the weakness of God is stronger than man.” What could be weaker than a tiny seed decaying in the soil? Well, the countess died, and was buried in her tomb, and such a seed found its way in with the moulds. Soon it sent out a tiny shoot, which by degrees, forced its way between the side stone and the upper slab. Slowly but steadily it grew larger and larger, until at length the iron fastenings were burst asunder, and the heavy lid was uplifted. And today, we are told, that that countess’ grave may be seen, with the massive cover and side-stones resting against the trunk of a tall tree, which grows up from the midst of the open tomb! “There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord.” See Exodus 3:1414And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14); John 8:5858Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58); Acts 24:1515And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. (Acts 24:15), Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27), and Prov. 21:3030There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30).
ML 12/16/1900