THIS GENERATION by T. M. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1878

THIS GENERATION.

By T. M. Lane

In Matthew’s Gospel, chap. 24: 29, are given a series of signs respecting the coming of Christ, which come in immediately after the tribulation of those days; viz., the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of the stars, and the shaking of the powers of heaven. Verse 32 gives the parable of the fig-tree, which seems to connect with verse 29; verse 33 speaks of those who shall see these signs fulfilled, and in verse 34 the sacred writer plainly declares that this generation shall not pass until all these signs are fulfilled.

There seems to be a query in the minds of some as to what is meant by the phrase, “this generation,” when it begins, &c. We fail to see that it implies particularly the generation that lived on the earth in the year 1780, at the time of the darkening of the sun, when the moon also refused to give her light. We would assign it, rather, to the year 1833, the time of the falling of the stars, or near the commencement of the proclamation of the first angel’s message; for the inspired writer informs us that this generation will be one that has witnessed all these signs, or has had a knowledge of their fulfillment; also that it will be one that shall understand the parable of the fig-tree.

Allowing that “this generation” began near the fulfillment of the last sign, and that those composing it must have been then of an age to understand the matter, and considering that it is not to pass until all these things shall be fulfilled, surely the restitution of all things is near at hand, “even at the doors.”

In realization of the great fact that the end is near, let us live relative to it by buckling on the whole armor, discharging every known duty, and endeavoring to be fully prepared for that great event.

T. M. LANE.

B. C. College.