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."
How is faith brought to perfection?
Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?
Was it God's design that all should possess the same gifts?
What is said of the little horn as compared with the ten horns of the fourth beast of Daniel 7?
How did David express himself on this point?
How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?
For what purpose did God give His Son to the world?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle