NOTE.—Through the influence of the Reformation of the sixteenth century, and the movements which grew out of it, the power of the Papacy to enforce its decrees against those it pronounced heretics was gradually lessened, until persecution ceased almost wholly about the middle of the eighteenth century—the beginning of an epoch of freedom. 17. Against what deceptions did Christ then warn us? “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Verses 23, 24. 18. Answering the question as to what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the world, what did Christ say? “_There shall be signs_ in the _sun_, and in the _moon_, and in the _stars_; 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. 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. 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? [Illustration.]