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[Philip
Gatch, the second American Circuit Rider tells of this phenomenon, which
occurred |
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close to
the time of his conversion. -- DVM] |
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"In
the summer of 1772 there was a strange phenomenon in the heavens. A light
appeared to break through the sky in the east, to the appearance of the eye
covering a space as large as a common house, varying in its different hues.
This light became more frequent and awful in its appearance in the progress
of time. Sometimes it would present a sublime aspect. A pillar or cloud of
smoke would seem to lie beneath, while frightful flames would appear to rise
to a great height, and spread over an extensive space; at other times it
would look like streams of blood falling to the earth. |
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"While
God was thus revealing his glory and majesty to the natural eye, there was
great outpouring of the Spirit in different parts of the country. Many
precious souls were converted; many preachers were reared up who run to and
fro; and the knowledge of God was greatly increased in the earth. I could but
think there was in the prophecy of Joel an allusion to these times -- chap.
ii. Verse 28 -- 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and
your daughters shall prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, your young men
shall see visions;' 29, 'And also upon the servants, &c.;' 30, 'And I
will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth blood and fire and pillars
of smoke.' " |
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From:
UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES Compiled by Duane V. Maxey |