Of the use that was made, both in England and America, of these wonders seen in the heavens, we may learn by reading from the Exposition of the Twenty-fourth of Matthew, by Sylvester Bliss, published in Boston in 1843. After quoting some of the above accounts, he says:— GSAM 117.1
“Thus the ‘great signs’ and ‘fearful sights’ that are predicted in the Scriptures of truth, seem to be all fulfilled, as well as those which the Saviour declared should precede his coming. GSAM 117.2
“As sure as the leaving out of the trees is an indication of summer, just so sure, on the fulfillment of these signs, are Christians to know that the coming of Christ is near, even at the doors. It is not a mere permission to know it, but our Saviour commands them to know it.” 5Exposition of the Twenty-Fourth of Matthew, pp. 49-60. S. Bliss, Boston, Mass., 1843. GSAM 117.3