Place of Physical Phenomena

A logical question arises as to why the visions were so often given in this way. One might reason, Are not the great tests of the prophet set forth in the Word of God sufficient? The answer is found in a thoughtful analysis of the situation. Here was a maiden of barely seventeen years claiming that she had been instructed of God. She had been favored with revelations, she asserted, and had a message of divine origin for the people. Eventually the great test, “by their fruits ye shall know them,” would determine the validity of her claims.EGWMR 7.8

As we look back today, we see Mrs. White’s claim that she was the recipient of light divinely imparted by God, tested by the Word of God; we view a voluminous body of writings on many subjects, but with a perfect unity stretching from the earliest to the last; we witness the fruit in the lives of those who consistently endeavor to follow the counsel given; we see in the development and conduct of the work of the remnant church the guidance of these messages. Also, we have witnessed and are today witnessing the fulfillment of predictions recorded many decades ago. From our perspective today, we see many incontrovertible evidences which form a sound basis for belief.EGWMR 7.9

But, back in the beginning days, before there was time or opportunity for the development of fruit, convincing evidences were given to those who must at the time judge as to the messages presented. Were they of God? Much depended upon the answer. The very manner in which the visions were given was one strong evidence, among many, which settled the matter in the minds of most eyewitnesses. The primary value of such testimony was, no doubt, in the aid that it gave to those who must at the outset evaluate the claims of the one who spoke for God before there was full opportunity for the application of the sure tests of the Word of God.EGWMR 7.10

On one occasion, when Mrs. White wrote of her condition while in vision, she declared: “These messages were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of prophecy.”—The Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.EGWMR 7.11