"Finally the time was appointed for us to receive this solemn ordinance. It was a windy day when we, twelve in number, went down into the sea to be baptized. The waves ran high and dashed upon the shore; but as I took up this heavy cross, my peace was like a river. When I arose from the water, my strength was nearly gone, for the power of the Lord rested upon me. I felt that henceforth I was not of this world, but had risen from the watery grave into a newness of life. 1T 20.1"
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
EGW's statement 'risen from the watery grave into a newness of life' is a direct and clear allusion to Romans 6:4, which speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism and rising to new life.
"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."
EGW directly uses the phrase 'take up this heavy cross' in the context of baptism, which is a clear allusion to Matthew 16:24. The context of self-denial and following Christ is also present, though less explicit.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
EGW mentions 'my peace was like a river' during her baptism. This echoes the theme of peace found in John 14:27, especially in the context of a significant spiritual experience. The peace is not worldly but comes from God.
"The same day in the afternoon I was received into the church in full membership. A young woman stood by my side who was also a candidate for admission to the church. My mind was peaceful and happy till I noticed the gold rings glittering upon this sister's fingers, and the large, showy earrings in her ears. I then observed that her bonnet was adorned with artificial flowers, and trimmed with costly ribbons arranged in bows and puffs. My joy was dampened by this display of vanity in one who professed to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. 1T 20.2"
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;"
The EGW passage directly addresses the wearing of jewelry and adornments, echoing the sentiment against outward adornment found in 1 Peter 3:3. The connection is clear and intentional.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
EGW mentions a 'meek and lowly Jesus' and is bothered by the vanity of the woman. This directly relates to the call to be meek and lowly in heart as Jesus was in Matthew 11:29.
"I expected that the minister would give some whispered reproof or advice to this sister; but he was apparently regardless of her showy apparel, and no rebuke was administered. We both received the right hand of fellowship. The hand decorated with jewels was clasped by the representative of Christ, and both our names were registered upon the church book. 1T 20.3"
"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."
EGW's expectation of a rebuke aligns with the principle of rebuking sin mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:20. The passage highlights the lack of rebuke for the sister's showy apparel, which EGW considered inappropriate. This directly relates to the biblical instruction to address sin within the church.
"This circumstance caused me no little perplexity and trial as I remembered the apostle's words: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” The teaching of this scripture seemed to be openly disregarded by those whom I looked upon as devoted Christians, and who were much older in experience than myself. If it was indeed as sinful as I supposed, to imitate the extravagant dress of worldlings, surely these Christians would understand it and would conform to the Bible standard. Yet for myself I determined to follow my convictions of duty. I could but feel that it was contrary to the spirit of the gospel to devote God-given time and means to the decoration of our persons—that humility and self-denial would be more befitting those whose sins had cost the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. 1T 20.4"
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9-10.