"that while our mental powers were unimpaired we should complete these works—that it was a duty which we owed to ourselves and to the cause of God to rest from the heat of battle, and give to our people the precious light of truth which God had opened to our minds. 1T 106.1"
"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in John 9:4 of working while one has the ability and opportunity, before the 'night' comes. She emphasizes the importance of completing her work while her mental faculties are still strong.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
The phrase 'heat of battle' and the idea of finishing one's course strongly echoes Paul's sentiment in 2 Timothy 4:7 about fighting a good fight and finishing the race. EGW uses similar imagery to describe her work.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 5:16. Both emphasize the importance of sharing 'light' (truth) with others, reflecting God's glory through good works and spreading His message.
"Some weeks before the death of my husband, I urged upon him the importance of seeking a field of labor where we would be released from the burdens necessarily coming upon us at Battle Creek. In reply he spoke of various matters which required attention before we could leave—duties which someone must do. Then with deep feeling he inquired: “Where are the men to do this work? Where are those who will have an unselfish interest in our institutions, and who will stand for the right, unaffected by any influence with which they may come in contact?” 1T 106.2"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
The EGW passage reflects the same concern as Matthew 9:37: a shortage of dedicated workers to carry out God's work. Both passages highlight the need for more individuals to commit to serving in God's cause.
"With tears he expressed his anxiety for our institutions at Battle Creek. Said he: “My life has been given to the up-building of these institutions. It seems like death to leave them. They are as my children, and I cannot separate my interest from them. These institutions are the Lord's instrumentalities to do a specific work. Satan seeks to hinder and defeat every means by which the Lord is working for the salvation of men. If the great adversary can mold these institutions according to the world's standard, his object is gained. It is my greatest anxiety to have the right man in the right place. If those who stand in responsible positions are weak in moral power, and vacillating in principle, inclined to lead toward the world, there are enough who will be led. Evil influences must not prevail. I would rather die than live to see these institutions mismanaged, or turned aside from the purpose for which they were brought into existence. 1T 106.3"
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages highlight the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition faced in carrying out God's work. The EGW passage speaks of Satan's attempts to undermine institutions, while Ephesians 6:12 describes the nature of the spiritual enemy. The connection is thematic and strong.