The Dark Day and Falling Stars
RIGHT in the little season between the cessation of the great persecution and the close of the 1260 years, in 1798, occurred one of the notable signs of the second coming of Christ—the darkening of the sun and moon. Matthew records this as coming "immediately after the tribulation of those days" (Matt. 24:29); but Mark is more definite, and says that it should take place "in those days, after that tribulation." Mark 13:24. This was fulfilled in that supernatural darkening of the sun which caused May 19, 1780, to be known in history as "The Dark Day." Following this, we have the next sign, the falling of the stars, which took place Nov. 13, 1833. True, there have been many light meteoric showers, but this was one the like of which has never been seen, either before or since, and can be fitly described only in the language of the prophet: "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.