I was shown the excitement created among our people by the article in the Review headed, “The Nation.” Some understood it one way, and some another. The plain statements were distorted, and made to mean what the writer did not intend. He gave the best light that he then had. It was necessary that something be said. The attention of many was turned to Sabbathkeepers because they manifested no greater interest in the war and did not volunteer. In some places they were looked upon as sympathizing with the Rebellion. The time had come for our true sentiments in relation to slavery and the Rebellion to be made known. There was need of moving with wisdom to turn away the suspicions excited against Sabbathkeepers. We should act with great caution. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” We can obey this admonition, and not sacrifice one principle of our faith. Satan and his host are at war with commandment keepers, and will work to bring them into trying pos…
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 12:18, although it cites it incompletely. The context of the EGW passage also aligns with the principle of living peaceably with all men.
"I was shown that some moved very indiscreetly in regard to the article mentioned. It did not in all respects accord with their views, and instead of calmly weighing the matter, and viewing it in all its bearings, they became agitated, excited, and some seized the pen and jumped hastily at conclusions which would not bear investigation. Some were inconsistent and unreasonable. They did that which Satan is ever hurrying them to do, namely, acted out their own rebellious feelings. 1T 356.2"
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"
The EGW passage describes people acting hastily and without careful consideration, which directly contradicts the principle of being slow to speak and slow to wrath as stated in James 1:19.
"Neither give place to the devil."
The EGW passage describes people acting out their own rebellious feelings, which is directly linked to giving place to the devil. The passage implies that their actions are influenced by Satan, aligning with the warning in Ephesians 4:27.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
The EGW passage describes people acting in an agitated and excited manner, which contrasts with the 'sound mind' mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7. The passage implies a lack of self-control and reasoned judgment, aligning with the idea of a sound mind.
"they might be brought? Oh, no! Instead of making their petitions to the God of heaven and relying solely upon His power, they petitioned the legislature and were refused. They showed their weakness and exposed their lack of faith. All this only served to bring that peculiar class, Sabbathkeepers, into special notice, and expose them to be crowded into difficult places by those who have no sympathy for them. 1T 356.3"
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
The EGW passage criticizes those who petitioned the legislature instead of relying on God, which parallels the sentiment in Psalm 20:7 about trusting in earthly powers (chariots and horses) rather than in the Lord. The core idea is misplaced trust.