John and the Final Generation

This morning I was reading chapter 10 in Desire of Ages and I came upon these two quotes that stood out to me.
We are to be modern day John's preparing the way for Christ's second advent as he was preparing the way for the first.
We must stand firm on Christ the solid rock and dare to be different in this ungodly world.
John was to go forth as Jehovah’s messenger, to bring to men the light
of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God’s requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness. {DA. 100.4}......
In preparing the way for Christ’s first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord’s second coming.   The world is given to self-indulgence.   Errors and fables abound.   Satan’s snares for destroying souls are multiplied.   All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control.   The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind.   This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God’s word.   For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ’s second coming. {DA.101.2}