49
The rule that neither a young child nor an old woman can give birth to a baby also applies to the world that I have created."
50
Then I said, "Since you have brought up the subject, may I ask if the world you have been talking about is still young or is it approaching old age?"
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He replied, "You can learn the answer from any woman who has given birth to several children.
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Ask her why her younger children do not grow as tall as her older children. 1
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She will tell you that those born while she was young and healthy are much stronger than those born when she was getting old and becoming weak.
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You will notice that you are smaller than people of earlier generations;
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those who come later will be smaller still. This shows you that creation is already getting old and losing the strength of her youth."
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"If you please, Lord," I asked, "will you show me the one through whom you will bring judgment on your creation?"