stars. In
the Savior's prophecy as recorded in Mark 13:24, 25, the term "sun" is a
metaphor, signifying Christ; the "moon," the church, as a whole; the
"stars," Christians, or especially the ministry.

This darkening of the sun and moon and the falling of the stars we will
clearly explain in part second of this work. The church of God receives
its light from Jesus. He is "the light of the world." In the language of
Isa. 60:1 the church is addressed: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come."
Christ is her light. The church shines by the light of Christ, as the moon
shines by the light of the sun. "Out of Zion [the church of God], the
perfection of beauty, God hath shined." The church as a whole is a
brilliant reflector to reflect the light of Christ to this universe. Every
Christian is a bright spot in this luminous reflector. Amen. "Let your
light so shine."

A few years ago, one beautiful Sunday summer evening, as we were on our
way to an appointed meeting, we observed the moon rising in the splendor
of its fulness. It shed its soft, peaceful rays over the earth in marked
beauty. After a short time we became aware of a gathering darkness. On
looking up we saw a dark object gathering over the moon. Slowly, but
surely the dark object crept on until all was darkened. Not one ray of
light fell from the moon. The sun had ceased to shine upon her. We
understood that the world had come in between the sun and the moon and
obstructed the sun's rays. The same is true of the spiritual moon, the
church. In the first few centuries of this Christian day it shone with the
light and glory of God, but the time came when the "moon [church] ceased
to give her light," and all because, as we will learn, the world came
between it and the Sun (Christ).

Christian Power And Purity.

Christianity is a light in this world because of the greatness of its
power and the excellence of its purity. John, who is denominated the
forerunner of Jesus, or the heralding star of Christianity, said that "he
was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was
the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John
1:8, 9. Of whom speaketh the prophet then? The Son of God will answer this
question in these words: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth
me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John
8:12. Jesus was the light of the world because of his power and purity.
All power was