Probably many of those who peruse magazine are well acquainted with the story of the mighty Alaric the Goth. But as his history may be unknown to some of the readers I will just say a few words concerning him.
About the year 409 A. D. the Romans had a very weak-minded, indolent king named Honorius, of whom the surrounding barbarous nations took great advantage.
The Goths at this time had a very able warrior called Alaric. He made war with the Romans, conquered them, pillaged their city, and took many of them prisoners. But after he had sacked Rome his avarice was not satisfied; he then coveted the beautiful island of Sicily, and determined to acquire it.
He therefore prepared his troops for this purpose; but the first fleet was scattered by a furious tempest, and before he could renew the attempt he fell ill and died. It was the custom among the heathen nations to hide their warrior's graves lest the enemy should find them. So the Goths employed a number of their captives to turn the course of the river Busentimus in order to make a grave for their valiant warrior; and Alaric, with some of his richest spoils, was buried in this singular tomb. The waters were restored to their usual channel, and all who had been engaged in the work were slain on the spot, that the place of interment might remain forever secret. (A.D. 410).
While thinking of the hidden grave of the mighty Alaric, we should do well to remember that solemn day when the sea shall give up its dead, and the small and great who have died in their sins will stand before God's throne of righteousness to be judged according to their works. Alaric's grave will have to give up its contents, for everyone shall give an account of himself to God. None can escape that tribunal. (Rev. 20: 11-15).
Remember there is only one hiding-place from the judgment which is coming, and that is the Lord Jesus. He is the only safe refuge. There every soul that comes may hide, for He has said;
"A Man (the Lord Jesus Christ) shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest," (the dreadful judgment of God that is coming on all who have not taken refuge in the True Hiding Place). Isa. 32:22And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:2).