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. NOTE.—This is an exact picture of the condition of things in the world today. Through greed of gain, lawlessness, licentiousness, increasing violence, trouble between capital and labor, international complications, and preparations for war, the nations are perplexed, and men’s hearts tremble with fear as they look into the future. The elements are also disturbed, as seen in great earthquakes and storms on land and sea. 26. What did Christ say was to be the next great event following these signs? “And then shall they see _the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory_.” Verse 27. See Matt. 24:30. 27. When these things should _begin_ to come to pass, what did Christ tell His people to do? “And when these things begin to come to pass, then _look up, and lift up your heads_; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28. 28. When the trees put forth their leaves, what do we know? “Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, _ye know that summer is nigh_.” Matt. 24:32. 29. What may be known with equal certainty when these signs have been seen? “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, _know that it is near, even at the doors_.” Verse 33. “So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, _know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand_.” Luke 21:31. 30. What did Christ say of the certainty of this prophecy? “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:34, 35.