See the trouble
A priest, a politician and an engineer were scheduled to be executed late in the French Revolution.
The priest was brought up to the guillotine and was placed on the table. The executioner pulled the cord and the heavy steel blade descended then shuddered to a stop in the middle of the track.
The executioner was a very smart guy, so he proclaimed, “This is a sign from God, that the life of this priest should be spared!” The priest was set free to the delight of the cheering crowd.
Next the politician was brought up and placed on the table. The cord was pulled, and the blade again shuddered to a halt in the same place. The executioner proclaimed, “The grace of God is extended even to this politician!” and the crowd went wild with joy.