Note.—Although the moon had fulled only the night before, the darkness of this night was so intense that for a time no luminous body whatever appeared in the heavens, and a sheet of white paper could not be seen when held within a few inches of the eyes. See next reading.
23. What sign was to follow the darkening of the sun and the moon?
The Dark Day Of May 19, 1780. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened." Matt. 24:29.
“And the stars shall fall from heaven.” Matt. 24:29.
24. When did the stars fall, as here predicted?
Nov. 13, 1833.
Note.—On the morning of Nov. 13, 1833, there occurred the most wonderful exhibition of shooting stars the world has ever seen. Those who witnessed it, says Professor Olmsted, the celebrated astronomer of Yale College, “probably saw the greatest display of celestial fireworks that has ever been since the creation of the world, or at least within the annals covered by the pages of history.” The extent of this shower, he says, “was such as to cover no inconsiderable part of the earth's surface.” And, like the darkening of the sun and moon, it was considered by many who saw it as “the harbinger of the coming of the Son of man.”
25. What were to be the signs on earth of Christ's coming?
“And upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25, 26.