Probably many who peruse this little paper are well acquainted with the story of the mighty Alaric, the Goth. But as some details of his history may be unknown to my readers I will add 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 mighty warrior called Alaric. He made war with the Romans, conquered them, pillaged their city, took many of them prisoners.
But after he had sacked Rome, Alaric's 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 these heathen nations to hide their warriors' graves lest the enemy should find them. So the Goths employed a number of the captives to turn the course of the river Busentimus. In its bed they made a grave for their valiant warrior; and there Alaric, with some of his richest spoils, was buried in this singular tomb. The waters were then 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 would do well to remember that solemn day, fast approaching, when the sea shall give up its dead, and the small and great who have died in their sins shall 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. That is in the Lord Jesus. He is the only safe refuge. There every soul that comes may hide, for Scripture has said: "A man (the Lord Jesus Christ) shall be as an 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. 32:2.
"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power." 2 Thess. 1:7-9.