"***** Chapter 43—The Poor Some who are poor in this world's goods are apt to place all the straight testimony upon the shoulders of the men of property. But they do not realize that they also have a work to do. God requires them to make a sacrifice. He calls upon them to sacrifice their idols. They should lay aside such hurtful stimulants as tobacco, tea, and coffee. If they are brought into straitened circumstances while exerting themselves to do the best they can, it will be a pleasure for their wealthy brethren to help them out of trouble. 1T 224"
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Both passages address the idea of sacrifice and prioritizing spiritual values over material possessions. The EGW passage encourages the poor to sacrifice harmful habits, while Matthew 6:19-21 encourages storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The underlying theme of prioritizing spiritual over material is present in both.
"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."
The EGW passage discusses the responsibility of the wealthy to help the poor, while 1 Corinthians 12:26 speaks to the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where each member suffers or rejoices together. There is a thematic parallel in the sense of mutual support and shared responsibility within the community of believers.
"The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the true features of our faith in front, and will convict the inquiring mind. Like an arrow from the Lord's quiver, it will wound the transgressors of God's law, and will lead to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1T 224.1"
"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
The EGW passage directly uses the phrase 'repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ' which is verbatim from Acts 20:21. This is a clear and intentional allusion.
"And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;"
Both passages use the imagery of arrows and quivers to represent a tool or instrument used by God. EGW uses it to describe the name 'Seventh-day Adventist,' while Isaiah uses it to describe himself.
"I was shown that almost every fanatic who has arisen, who wishes to hide his sentiments that he may lead away others, claims to belong to the church of God. Such a name would at once excite suspicion; for it is employed to conceal the most absurd errors. This name is too indefinite for the remnant people of God. It would lead to the supposition that we had a faith which we wished to cover up. 1T 224.2"
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Both passages warn about those who hide their true intentions or beliefs to deceive others. The 'sheep's clothing' in Matthew is analogous to the 'name' used to conceal errors in EGW's writing. The theme of deception is central to both.
Many lack wise management and economy. They do not weigh matters well, and move cautiously. Such should not trust to their own poor judgment, but should counsel with their brethren who have experience. But those who lack economy and good judgment are often unwilling to seek counsel. They generally think that they understand how to conduct their temporal business, and are unwilling to follow advice. They make bad moves, and suffer in consequence. Their brethren are grieved to see them suffer, and they help them out of difficulty. Their unwise management affects the church. It takes means from the treasury of God which should have been used to advance the cause of present truth. If these poor brethren take a humble course and are willing to be advised and counseled by their brethren, and are then brought into straitened places, the brethren should feel it a duty to cheerfully help them out of difficulty. But if they choose their own course, and rely upon their own judgment, they should b…
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of heeding counsel and not relying solely on one's own judgment, which aligns directly with the wisdom expressed in Proverbs 12:15.
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of seeking counsel from experienced individuals, as highlighted in Proverbs 11:14. The context in EGW is about financial matters, but the underlying principle is the same.