SIGNS OF THE COMING KING IN THE STARS.
By Augusta W. Heald
“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Rev. 6:13. This prophecy was literally fulfilled in the morning of Nov. 13, 1833. The Christian Advocate and Journal of Dec. 13, 1833, describes the event as follows:— “The meteoric phenomenon which occurred on the morning of the 13th of November last, was of so extraordinary and interesting a character as to be entitled to more than a mere passing notice. The lively and graphic descriptions which have appeared in various public journals do not exceed the reality. No language, indeed, can come up to the splendor of that magnificent display; and I hesitate not to say that no one who did not witness it can form an adequate conception of its glory. It seemed as if the whole starry heavens had congregated at one point near the zenith, and were simultaneously shooting forth, with the velocity of lightning, to every part of the horizon; and yet they were not exhausted —thousands swiftly followed in the track of thousands, as if created for the occasion.” Prof. Olmstead, the celebrated astronomer and meteorologist of Yale College, says of this event:— “In nearly all places, the meteors began to attract notice by their unusual frequency as early as eleven o’clock, and increased in numbers and splendor until about four o’clock, from which time they gradually declined, but were visible until lost in the light of day. The meteors did not fly at random over all parts of the sky, but appeared to emanate from a point in the Constellation Leo, near a star called Gamma Leonis, in the bend of the sickle. The extent of the shower of 1833 was such as to cover no inconsiderable part of the earth’s surface; from the middle of the Atlantic on the east to the Pacific on the west, and from the northern coast of South America to undefined regions among the British possessions on the north, the exhibition was visible, and everywhere presented nearly the same appearance.” The following is from the pen of Henry Dana Ward. In regard to the falling of the stars, he says:— “At the cry, ‘Look out of the window,’ I sprang from a deep sleep, and with wonder saw the east lighted up with the dawn and meteors. The zenith, the north, and the west also, showed the falling stars. . . . And how did they fall? Neither myself, nor one of the family, heard any report; and were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens, as that which St. John used in the prophecy: ‘The stars of heaven fell unto the earth even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.’” Thus accurately is the Saviour’s prophecy fulfilled; sun, moon and stars have borne witness to the truth of His word. The Saviour declares as the next event in this prophetic chain, “The powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” Mark 13:25, 26. He then relates the parable of the fig-tree, and its application: “So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” V. 29. And then says the Saviour, “Verily I say unto you, that this generation [which sees these things] shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but My words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:30, 31. Nearly sixty years have elapsed since the last sign appeared in the heavens. We are of the generation who see all these things accomplished. Those who witnessed the actual events are fast approaching the limits of man’s allotted span; their footsteps halt; their locks are bleached with the frost of many winters. They are not long for earth, but some among them will live to see the Saviour come in glory; for His divine word is pledged, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:34, 35. “The Lord is coming! herald, cry;
For our redemption draweth nigh:
The great, glad day of sin’s eclipse
Is trembling on heaven’s finger-tips.
“The trumpet sounds o’er land and sea,
And heaven rolls back the melody;
The sleeping nations of the dead
Awake, and leave their earth-dark bed.
“The Lord, our Saviour, Prince of heaven,
Descends ’mid clouds all thunder-riven;
Look up, ye saints, behold your King,
He comes deliverance to bring.”