The reproach resting upon the cause in regard to Sister A rests heavily upon you. You made much of her exercises and experience. She was weak, yet could in a measure fill her place in her family and keep her children together; but she had been from her home but a short time before her reason was dethroned. The backslidden state of the professed Sabbathkeepers in —— led you to influence Sister A to leave her family who needed her care, and come to —— that her influence might help the Sabbathkeepers there. An unhealthy excitement marked her course. Some of the inexperienced were deluded. The weak mind of Sister A was overtaxed, and disease fastened upon the brain. And the cause of God is deeply wounded and reproached on account of this. Brother A has been wronged; he must now suffer under a living trouble, and his children must be scattered. Those whose influence led to these sad consequences, have a work to do to relieve the mind of Brother A, and by a faithful and full acknowledgment t…
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
EGW's passage describes a situation where a family was neglected due to misguided religious zeal. This directly violates the principle outlined in 1 Timothy 5:8, which emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family.
"with those who are leading out in this great work. Individual wrongs would have been reproved. Faithful labor would have brought up the Sabbathkeepers there, so that they would not have been behind other churches. But they have almost everything to learn. You should have borne a pointed testimony, impressing upon them the necessity of sacrificing, and all doing a part to bear the burden of the cause. You should have brought them up upon systematic benevolence, leading all to act a part and exert themselves to do something to advance the cause of truth. Your indefinite position, and leaving matters so loose and slack in —— has had a bad influence upon the cause there. The opposition you felt and talked out in regard to organization and the advance of God's people, has borne fruit which can be seen in many places in northern Wisconsin. 1T 315.2"
"That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of unity and working together in the church, which aligns with the theme of 1 Corinthians 12:25 about avoiding schism and caring for one another within the body of Christ.
"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 speaks about the necessity of members actively participating in the cause of truth, not just listening. Matthew 5:16 speaks of letting your light shine through good works, which aligns with the idea of active participation and advancing the cause.
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of leadership and the need for members to follow their guidance in advancing the cause. Hebrews 13:17 directly addresses obedience to leaders. While not a perfect match, the principle of following leadership is present in both.