19. When were the first of these signs to appear, and what were they to be?
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.” Matt. 24:29.
20. How is this expressed by Mark?
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” Mark 13:24, 25.
Note.—As already noted, papal persecution almost wholly ceased about the middle of the eighteenth century. Then, true to Christ's words, the signs of His coming at once began to appear.
21. When was there a wonderful darkening of the sun?
On May 19, 1780.
Note.—May 19, 1780, is known in history as “the dark day.” On this day over a large portion of the New World, upon which at this time the eyes of all the world were centered, there occurred, at midday, a remarkable darkness. “Candles were lighted in many houses. The birds were silent, and disappeared. The fowls retired to roost.” In harmony with the impression God evidently designed should be made by the sign, many thought the day of judgment was at hand. See next reading.
22. When did the moon refuse to give her light?
The night following the darkening of the sun, May 19, 1780.