What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal ?
Answer
"And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake." Verse 12, first
part.
NOTE-This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of November 1, 1755, commonly known as
the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon,
Portugal, a city containing 50,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake,
says Mr. Sears, in his of the World," page 200, "was instantly followed by the fall of every church and
convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one-fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward,
fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such violence for the space of nearly three days that the
city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents
were full of people, very few of whom escaped. . . . The terror of the people was beyond description.
Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment,
beating their faces and breasts, crying, 'Misericordia ! the world's at an end. Mothers forgot their children,
and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in
vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and
people were buried in one common ruin. . . . Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on
that fatal day."
5. What further statement of Christ seems to lay the responsibility for the origin of sin upon Satan and his angels?
What will be the fate of those who do not obey the gospel of Christ?
17. What assurance was given by the angel that these prophecies would he understood in the last days?
Why are we admonished to fear God and keep His commandments?
Upon what conditions are we promised needed blessings?
What are the meek to inherit?
To whom is the Epistle of James addressed?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle