"The young do not take the burden of the cause of God, or feel any responsibility in regard to it. Is it because God has excused them? Oh, no; they excuse themselves! They are eased, and others are burdened. They do not realize that they are not their own. Their strength, their time, is not their own. They are bought with a price. A dear sacrifice was made for them, and unless they possess the spirit of self-denial and sacrifice, they can never possess the immortal inheritance. 1T 178.1"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
The phrase 'you are not your own' is directly quoted or closely paraphrased from 1 Corinthians 6:19.
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The phrase 'bought with a price' is directly quoted from 1 Corinthians 6:20.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of self-denial and sacrifice found in Matthew 16:24, applying it to the responsibility of young people in the cause of God. The phrase 'deny himself' is clearly reflected in 'spirit of self-denial and sacrifice'.
"I saw that a thick cloud enveloped them, but that a few rays of light from Jesus pierced this cloud. I looked to see those who received this light, and saw individuals earnestly praying for victory. It was their study to serve God. Their persevering faith brought them returns. The light of heaven was shed upon them; but the cloud of darkness over the church in general was thick. They were stupid and sluggish. My agony of soul was great. I asked the angel if that darkness was necessary. Said he: “Look ye!” I then saw the church begin to rise, and earnestly plead with God, and rays of light began to penetrate this darkness, and the cloud was removed. The pure light of heaven shone upon them, and with holy confidence their attention was attracted upward. Said the angel: “This is their privilege and duty.” 1T 178.3"
"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
Both passages describe a period of darkness followed by the rising of light/glory. Isaiah 60:2 speaks of darkness covering the earth, but the Lord arising upon His people. The EGW passage uses similar imagery of a cloud of darkness being penetrated by light.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
The EGW passage emphasizes earnest prayer and avoiding spiritual sluggishness, which aligns with the call to 'watch and pray' in Matthew 26:41 to avoid temptation. The connection is thematic, focusing on the need for vigilance and prayer.
"Satan has come down in great power, knowing that his time is short. His angels are busy, and a great share of the people of God suffer themselves to be lulled to sleep by him. The cloud again passed over, and settled upon the church. I saw that it would be only by earnest effort and persevering prayer that this spell would be broken. 1T 178.4"
"Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
The EGW passage explicitly refers to Satan coming down in great power knowing his time is short, which is a direct allusion to Revelation 12:12. The context of Satan's activity and the shortness of his time is consistent between the two passages.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages warn against the devil's influence and the need for vigilance. EGW's passage speaks of Satan's activity and people being lulled to sleep, while 1 Peter 5:8 warns to be sober and vigilant against the devil.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Both passages emphasize the importance of persevering prayer. EGW mentions earnest effort and persevering prayer to break a spell, while Ephesians 6:18 encourages praying always with perseverance.