p. 8 | Signs of the Approaching End by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1915

Signs of the Approaching End

By W. A. S.

Part 4. “The Dark Day” of 1780

(Concluded)

Not only over the land but out at sea also the unnatural darkness of the day and night of May 19, 1780, was observed.

In the Boston Independent Chronicle (of June 15) a correspondent, telling of interviews with various observers, wrote:—

I have also seen a very sensible captain of a vessel who was that morning about forty leagues southeast of Boston. He says the cloud which appeared at the west was the blackest he ever saw. About eleven o’clock there was a little rain, and it grew dark. Between one and two he was obliged to light a large candle to steer by. . . . Between nine and ten at night, he ordered his men to take in some of the sails, but it was so dark they could not find the way from one mast to the other.

Thoughts Turned to the Judgment

This writer commented as follows concerning the feelings awakened by the event:—

Various have been the sentiments of people concerning the designs of Providence in spreading the unusual darkness over us. Some suppose it portentous of the last scene. I wish it may have some good effect on the minds of the wicked, and that they may be excited to prepare for that solemn day.

The Independent Chronicle (of June 22) printed a letter from Dr. Samuel Stearns, who had been appealed to because of his knowledge “in philosophy and astronomy.” First of all he disposed of one suggestion that had been made:—

That the darkness was not caused by an eclipse is manifest by the various positions of the planets of our system at that time; for the moon was more than 150 degrees from the sun all that day.

Then, in the rather heavy language of the science of that period, this writer told how the action of the sun’s heat was continually projecting into the atmosphere particles of earthy matter; and in his opinion it was some “vast collection of such particles that caused the late uncommon darkness.” But as to the real accounting for the phenomenon he wrote:—

The primary cause must be imputed to Him that walketh through the circuit of heaven, who stretcheth out the heaven like a curtain, who maketh the clouds his chariot, who walketh upon the wings of

the wind. It was he at whose voice the stormy winds are obedient, that commanded these exhalations to be collected and condensed together, that with them he might darken both the day and the night; which darkness was, perhaps, not only a token of his indignation against the crying iniquities and abominations of the people, but an omen of some future destruction.

Thus men’s minds were exercised by this sign “in the sun, and in the moon.” The early records of New York City tell of the interest excited there, though evidently the darkness was not so marked as farther north.

In the Connecticut Legislature

The Connecticut Legislature was in session when the supernatural darkness came on. The following extract from the Journal of the house for May 19, 1780, tells the story:—

A solemn gloom or unusual darkness before ten o’clock—a still darker cloud rolling under the sable curtain from the time north and west before eleven o’clock—excluded the light so that no one could see to read or to write in the house, even at either window, or distinguish persons at a small distance, or perceive any distinction of dress in the circle of attendants; wherefore, at eleven o’clock adjourned the house till two in the afternoon.

On the proposition to adjourn, in the senate, we are told, one member, Abraham Davenport, arose in his place and said:—

“Mr. Speaker, it is either the day of judgment, or it is not. If it is not, there is no need of adjourning. If it is, I desire to be found doing my duty. I move that candles be brought, and that we proceed to business.”— History of the Town of Antrim, New Hampshire, by Rev. W. R. Cochrane, 1880, pages 58, 59.

It was this striking incident that Whittier described with the poet’s pen:—

“Meanwhile in the old Statehouse, dim as ghosts, Sat the lawgivers of Connecticut, Trembling beneath their legislative robes. ‘It is the Lord’s great day! Let us adjourn,’ Some said; and then, as if with one accord, All eyes were turned to Abraham Davenport. He rose, slow cleaving with his stately voice, The intolerable hush. ‘This well may be The day of judgment which the world awaits; But be it so or not, I only know My present duty, and my Lord’s command To occupy till he come. So at the post Where he hath set me in his providence I choose, for one, to meet him face to face,’— No faithless servant frightened from my task, But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; And therefore, with all reverence, I would say, Let God do his work, we will see to ours. Bring in the candles.’”

Thus, in a manner that arrested the attention of men and put awe and solemnity into their hearts, with thoughts of the coming of the great day of God, the first of the predicted signs in the heavens was revealed.

It was more general at a later time—when students of the Bible seemed moved upon simultaneously, in both Europe and America, to give attention to the doctrine of Christ’s second coming—that these signs were seen to have come in fulfilment of the prophecy.

As we look to the past, we see how truly the tokens of the coming King began to appear as the church of Christ came fully out from the long, dark period of tribulation. A new era was at the dawn, in which the Lord was to fill the earth with light before his second appearing, according to his word to Daniel the prophet:—

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Dan. 12: 4.

At last the time of the end was at hand, and the signs of the latter days began to appear in the earth and in the heavens. The Lord was preparing to send to all the world the closing gospel message of Christ’s soon coming in glory. W. A. S.