"The French Reformers, eager to see their country keeping pace with Germany and Switzerland, determined to strike a bold blow against the superstitions of Rome, that should arouse the whole nation. Accordingly placards attacking the mass were in one night posted all over France. Instead of advancing the reform, this zealous but ill-judged movement brought ruin, not only upon its propagators, but upon the friends of the reformed faith throughout France. It gave the Romanists what they had long desired—a pretext for demanding the utter destruction of the heretics as agitators dangerous to the stability of the throne and the peace of the nation. GC 224.3"
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of being wise and discerning in one's actions, as highlighted in Matthew 10:16. The French Reformers' bold action, though zealous, was ill-judged and led to negative consequences, demonstrating a lack of wisdom. The verse advises caution and prudence, which was lacking in the reformers' approach.