The Iron Egg | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 22, 1885

The Iron Egg.

IN the museum at Berlin is an iron egg, of which the following story is told:—

Many years ago a prince became affianced to a lovely princess, to whom he promised to send a magnificent gift as a testimonial of his affection. In due time the messenger arrived, bringing the promised gift, which proved to be an iron egg. The princess was so angry to think that the prince should send her so valueless a present that she threw it upon the floor, when the iron egg opened, disclosing a silver lining. Surprised at such a discovery, she took the egg in her hand, and while examining it closely, discovered a secret spring, which she touched, and the silver lining opened, disclosing a golden yolk. Examining it carefully she found another spring, which, when opened, disclosed within the golden yolk a ruby crown. Subjecting that to an examination, she touched a spring, and forth came the diamond ring with which he affianced her to himself.

So, often come the richest gifts of God to us. Their outward seeming is as unattractive as the iron egg; but within the seeming repulsiveness lies hidden the silver lining of a divine love. Within that love lie hidden the golden treasures of the gospel. Within that still lies hidden the crown of life. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."—Sel.