"October 21, 1858. N umber Six—Testimony for the Church Chapter 39—Slackness Reproved 1T 210 [See Appendix .] Dear Brethren and Sisters, The Lord has again visited me in mercy, in a time of bereavement and great affliction. December 23, 1860, I was taken off in vision, and was shown the wrongs of individuals which have affected the cause. I dare not withhold the testimony from the church to spare the feelings of individuals. 1T 210"
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me."
Both passages deal with the responsibility of a leader (Ezekiel a prophet, EGW a prophetess) to deliver messages, even difficult ones, to the people. EGW's statement that she 'dare not withhold the testimony' echoes the sentiment of Ezekiel being a 'watchman' who must warn the people.
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Both passages emphasize the importance of delivering the full message of God, without holding back. Paul's statement in Acts 20:27 aligns with EGW's feeling that she 'dare not withhold the testimony.'
"I was shown the low state of God's people; that God had not departed from them, but that they had departed from Him, and had become lukewarm. They possess the theory of the truth, but lack its saving power. As we near the close of time, Satan comes down with great power, knowing that his time is short. Especially will his power be exercised upon the remnant. He will war against them, and seek to divide and scatter them, that they may grow weak and be overthrown. The people of God should move understandingly, and should be united in their efforts. They should be of the same mind, of the same judgment; then their efforts will not be scattered, but will tell forcibly in the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. Order must be observed, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan will take the advantage. 1T 210.2"
"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
The EGW passage directly uses the term 'lukewarm' in the same context as Revelation 3:16, referring to the spiritual state of God's people. This is a clear and intentional reference.
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The EGW passage speaks of Satan warring against the remnant, seeking to divide and scatter them. This aligns with the theme of Revelation 12:17, where the dragon makes war with the remnant who keep God's commandments. The connection is thematic and significant.
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Both passages emphasize unity and being of one mind among believers. EGW expands on the consequences of disunity and the source of division (Satan).
I saw that the enemy would come in every way possible to dishearten the people of God and perplex and trouble them, and that they should move understandingly, and prepare themselves for the attacks of Satan. Matters pertaining to the church should not be left in an unsettled condition. Steps should be taken to secure church property for the cause of God, that the work may not be retarded in its progress, and that the means which persons wish to dedicate to God's cause may not slip into the enemy's ranks. I saw that God's people should act wisely, and leave nothing undone on their part to place the business of the church in a secure state. Then after all is done that they can do, they should trust the Lord to overrule these things for them, that Satan take no advantage of God's remnant people. It is Satan's time to work. A stormy future is before us; and the church should be awake to make an advance move that they may stand securely against his plans. It is time that something was done.…
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
The EGW passage directly addresses the need for vigilance and preparation against Satan's attacks, mirroring the warning in 1 Peter 5:8 to 'be sober, be vigilant' because the devil seeks to devour. The emphasis on understanding, preparation, and securing church property aligns with the call to vigilance against the adversary.