After searching history we find no objection in making use of the year 270 A.D. as the date of the _beginning of the dark noontime_. Milner says at this time, “Scarcely a luminary of godliness existed. The great luminaries, or lights, were eclipsed and darkness reigned. Some of our contemporary writers have fixed upon this year as the date of the rise of the beast power, which created this darkness.” “The real papacy was set up, not at the Nicene Council, A.D. 325, as some affirm; but we find vivid traces of the very same beast authority as early as A.D. 270.”—_Biblical Trace of the Church._ In the city of Nice in Bithynia, A.D. 325, was held what is called “The First General Council.” There was present at this council the Emperor Constantine, as the historian says, “Like an angel of God exceeding all his attendants in size, gracefulness and strength, and dazzling all eyes by the splendor of his dress, showing the greatest humility, seated in a chair covered with gold.” There were present at this meeting three hundred and eighteen bishops, and a number of deacons and subdeacons, amounting in all to two thousand and forty-eight persons. Here was drawn up a creed, declaring to be the only true and orthodox faith. It bears the title of Nicene. This creed was at once confirmed at Rome by two hundred and seventy-five bishops, and was the setting up of the Roman hierarchy. This council can not however with propriety be said to be the true setting up of the beast power. Nearly all the forms and doctrines of this creed had been observed and taught by the bishops and pastors for several decades. The most sensible date, and most consistent with revelation, _for the bringing in of the dark noontime of the gospel day is A.D. 270_. We feel confident that no one can rightfully object to us making use of this date for this work. Those who do so must do it through prejudice or ignorance. Chapter II. Scriptural Predictions Of An Apostasy. Who has not wondered, as they read of the Savior’s and the apostles’ warnings of “false teachers,” grievous wolves, delusive powers, and deceptive lights, what it all could mean? These things certainly are not without meaning. Jesus says, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold. 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.” Mat. 24:11, 12, 24. The Son of God foretells the arising of false prophets and teachers. He tells us how they may be known. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Mat. 7:15, 16.