Presentation of the Spirit of Prophecy
227
exercised. There should be no trial or labor with those who have never
seen the individual having visions, and who have had no personal
knowledge of the influence of the visions. Such should not be deprived
of the benefits and privileges of the church, if their Christian course is
otherwise correct, and they have formed a good Christian character.
Some, I was shown, could receive the published visions, judging
of the tree by its fruits. Others are like doubting Thomas; they cannot
believe the published Testimonies, nor receive evidence through the
testimony of others, but must see and have the evidence for themselves.
Such must not be set aside, but long patience and brotherly love should
be exercised toward them until they find their position and become
established for or against. If they fight against the visions, of which
they have no knowledge; if they carry their opposition so far as to
oppose that in which they have had no experience, and feel annoyed
when those who believe that the visions are of God speak of them in
meeting, and comfort themselves with the instruction given through
vision, the church may know that they are not right.—
Testimonies For
The Church 1:327-329
(1862).
[259]
Driven to a Premature Position—I have been shown that some,
especially in _____, 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
[volume 1, pages 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 _____ who are unacquainted with me, has not
been careful and consistent. Those who were, comparatively, strangers
to the visions, have been dealt with in the same manner as those who
have had much light and experience in the visions. Some have been
required to indorse the visions when they could not conscientiously
do so, and in this way some honest souls have been driven to take
positions against the visions and against the body, which they never