It may be difficult for...
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It may be difficult for us today to appreciate a real fear of darkness like that of people long ago. From about 1500 into the 1830s, people talked about being "overtaken" by the night, "shut-in," "covered." Night may have meant fear of demons, witches, and nighthags. In one English parish, Lamplugh, of the 52 premature deaths recorded between 1650 and 1663, four people were frightened to death by fairies, seven were bewitched, and one was led into a horse pond by a will-of-the-wisp. Additionally, there was a belief that night actually did fall, with malignant air descending. To protect themselves, sleepers wore nightcaps. Bed curtains not only offered privacy, but also fended off miasmal drafts. One never whistled at night, because that invited the devil. Before the advent of gas lamps, it was a time "when bandogs howle and spirits walk."
What an announcement John had! He bore witness to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, the Savior.
What an announcement John had! He bore witness to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, the Savior.
