St. Hildegard (12th Century)

At this time, as a punishment for their sins Christians espe cially will attempt armed resistance [to those who at that time are persecuting Christians], sensing no concern about the death of their bodies. A powerful wind will rise in the north carrying heavy fog and the densest cloud of dust by divine command, and it will rage against them (the persecu tors of the Christians) and it will fill their throats and eyes so that they will cease their savagery and be stricken with a great amazement.

Then within the Christian people the holy Godhead will accomplish signs and wonders as it accomplished them at the time of Moses with the pillar of cloud and as Michael the Archangel did when he fought the heathen for the sake of Christians.

Because of Michaels help, Gods faithful children will march under his protection. They will decimate their foes and achieve victory through Gods power.... As a result of this, a large number of heathens will join Christians in true faith and they will say, The God of the Christians is true God, because such wondrous works have been accomplished among the Christians.

Before the comet comes, many nations, the good excepted, will be scourged by want and famine. The great nation in the ocean that is inhabited by people of different tribes and descent will be devastated by earthquake, storm, and tidal wave. It will be divided and, in great part, submerged. That nation will also have many misfortunes at sea and lose its colonies.

By its tremendous pressure the comet will force much out of the ocean and flood many countries, causing much want and many plagues. All coastal cities will live in fear, and many of them will be destroyed by tidal waves, and most living creatures will be killed, and even those who escape will die from horrible diseases.

For in none of those cities does a person live according to the laws of God. Peace will return to the world when the white flower again takes possession of the throne of France. During this period of peace, people will be forbid den to carry weapons, and iron will be used only for mak-

ing agricultural implements and tools. Also during this pe riod, the land will be very productive, and many Jews, hea thens, and heretics will join the Church