The parable of the fig-tree is one the most forcible figure that our Lord uses to illustrate this subject. When the trees of the field begin to put forth their leaves, and the tender grass springs up, and the ground is being covered with its green, velvet carpet, we know that summer is nigh. It is a certainty with us that summer is coming when we see these signs in nature. We know that summer is nigh. "So likewise," with the same certainty, we may know that Christ's coming is at the doors when the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are fulfilled. Here, our Lord has stated the object of these signs, which is, that we may know when his coming is at the doors.
The fact that Christ foretells signs of his coming, and then states the object of those signs, tell us we may know when the event is near, even at the doors, is sufficient proof that it is the design of Heaven that the church should understand this period. Verses 29-31: "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, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet; and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
We have before seen that our Lord speaks in this chapter of the long period of tribulation upon his followers. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days, shall the sun be darkened," this refers to the to the noted dark day of May 19, 1780, as the fulfillment of this declaration. It does not read, after those days, but "after the tribulation of those days." The days (1260 years, Dan.7:25) reached to 1798 eighteen years this side of the dark day in 1780. Mark 13:24, makes this point still plainer. "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened." That is, before the 1260 years closed, but after the tribulation or martyrdom of the saints ceased, the sun was darkened. Those who would point to the future, or to the past, prior to the eighteenth century, for the darkening of the sun here mentioned, will do well to read again Mark 13:24: "But in those days, after that tribulation.
"THE SUN SHALL BE DARKENED." In May 19, 1780, there was a remarkable fulfillment of the predicted darkening of the sun. Candles were lighted in many houses. The birds were silent, and disappeared. The fowls retired to roost. It was the general opinion that the day of Judgment was at hand.
The People's Magazine, Boston, January, 1834, on the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, says: "The Rockingham (Va.) Register calls it, A rain of fire, - thousands of stars being seen at once; some said it began with considerable noise.
Our Lord says (Luke 21:28), "And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." The signs began to come to pass with the dark day of 1780. Then it could be said that redemption draweth nigh, and from that time the humble follower of Jesus might look up in expectation of witnessing his glorious appearing. But (verse 31) "when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
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