Chapter 71—Wrong Use of the Visions I have been shown that some, especially in Iowa, make the visions a rule by which to measure all, and have taken a course which my husband and myself have never pursued. Some are unacquainted with me and my labors, and they are very skeptical of anything bearing the name of visions. This is all natural, and can be overcome only by experience. If persons are not settled in regard to the visions, they should not be crowded off. The course to pursue with such may be found in Testimony No. 8, pp. 328, 329 , which I hope will be read by all. Ministers should have compassion of some, making a difference; others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. God's ministers should have wisdom to give to everyone his portion of meat and to make that difference with different persons which their cases require. The course pursued with some in Iowa who are unacquainted with me has not been careful and consistent. Those who were, comparatively, strangers to the v…
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
The EGW passage discusses how to deal with those skeptical of the visions, urging ministers to use wisdom and compassion. This aligns with the principle of 'proving all things' and holding fast to what is good, as it encourages discernment and careful consideration rather than immediate rejection.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages emphasize the importance of careful examination and not blindly accepting information. The Bereans searched the scriptures to verify Paul's teachings, while EGW encourages a thoughtful approach to the visions, especially for those unfamiliar with them. This is a thematic parallel about critical evaluation.