A BAND OF LIGHT

Near the last of December, 1843, there was seen in the sky, in the central part of the state of New York, a clearly-defined band of white light extending from the western to the eastern horizon. It was of about the same width as the disc of the full moon when half an hour high. It was in the “dark of the moon,” with a cloudless, starlit night. Such an arch, extending over the zenith, and spanning the whole dome, was indeed a most beautiful and soul-inspiring sight. It was a mysterious visitor that none could explain-one of the Lord’s wonders hung out in the heavens.LDT 122.3

It was the privilege of the writer to behold this grand sight at Victor, N. Y., about ten o’clock at night, on coming out of the meeting-house where Elder James Barry (an Adventist) had just delivered a very solemn discourse on the subject of the final judgment. The sermon was characterized by great solemnity, and made a deep impression on the audience. On beholding this “token” in the sky, more than one gave utterance to their convictions by saying, “The Adventists’ doctrine is true.”LDT 123.1

The band of light continued in the heavens all that night. The next night being just as clear, it was again visible all night. Some few illiterate persons said, “This light must be the tail of a comet.” A few nights after, a large comet did appear for several nights in the southwestern heavens. Its tail was of a fiery red color, and apparently about three feet in length. The band of light was as white as a summer’s fleecy cloud, and extended from the eastern to the western horizon.LDT 123.2