"Henry had been from us five years, and Edson had received but little of our care. For years our family was very large, and our home like a hotel, and we from that home much of the time. I had felt the deepest anxiety that my children should be brought up free from evil habits, and I was often grieved as I thought of the contrast between my situation and that of others who would not take burdens and cares, who could ever be with their children, to counsel and instruct them, and who spent their time almost exclusively in their own families. And I have inquired: Does God require so much of us, and leave others without burdens? Is this equality? Are we to be thus hurried on from one care to another, one part of the work to another, and have but little time to bring up our children? Many nights, while others were sleeping, have been spent by me in bitter weeping. 1T 102.1"
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
The EGW passage expresses anxiety about not being able to spend enough time counseling and instructing her children. This aligns with the command in Deuteronomy 6:7 to diligently teach children. The shared theme of parental responsibility for children's upbringing makes this a meaningful connection.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
EGW expresses anxiety about not being able to properly raise her children due to her workload. Proverbs 22:6 speaks directly to the importance of training up a child. While not a direct quote, the principle is clearly present in EGW's lament.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage describes feeling burdened and overwhelmed by responsibilities, leading to weeping. This connects thematically with Matthew 11:28, which offers rest to those who are weary and heavy laden. The shared theme of finding solace from burdens makes this a valid connection.
"In 1860 death stepped over our threshold, and broke the youngest branch of our family tree. Little Herbert, born September 20, 1860, died December 14 of the same year. When that tender branch was broken, how our hearts did bleed none may know but those who have followed their little ones of promise to the grave. 1T 102.3"
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
EGW describes the broken heart she experienced after the death of her child. Psalm 34:18 speaks of God's nearness to those with a broken heart. The connection is thematic, focusing on grief and divine comfort.