"Many were blinded and grossly deceived in the last election, and their influence was used to place in authority men who would wink at evil, men who would witness a flood of woe and misery unmoved, whose principles are corrupt, who are Southern sympathizers, and would preserve slavery as it is. 1T 363.1"
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
The proverb speaks of the people mourning when the wicked are in authority, while EGW speaks of the consequences of electing men who 'wink at evil' and are 'Southern sympathizers.' Both passages connect the character of leaders with the well-being of the people. The connection is strong and relevant.
"In positions of trust in the Northern army there are men who are rebels at heart, who value the life of a soldier no more than they would the life of a dog. They can see them torn, and mangled, and dying, by thousands, unmoved. The officers of the Southern army are constantly receiving information in regard to the plans of the Northern army. Correct information has been given to Northern officers in regard to the movements and approach of rebels, which has been disregarded and despised because the informer was black. And by neglecting to prepare for an attack, the Union forces have been surprised and nearly cut to pieces, or what is as bad, many of the poor soldiers have been taken prisoners to suffer worse than death. 1T 363.2"
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Both passages warn about deceptive individuals in positions of authority. Matthew 7:15 warns about false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly destructive. EGW describes men in the Northern army who are 'rebels at heart' and indifferent to the suffering of soldiers. The connection lies in the theme of hidden treachery and its harmful consequences.
"If there were union in the Northern army, this Rebellion would soon cease. Rebels know they have sympathizers all through the Northern army. The pages of history are growing darker and still darker. Loyal men, who have had no sympathy with the Rebellion, or with slavery which has caused it, have been imposed upon. Their influence has helped place in authority men to whose principles they were opposed. 1T 363.3"
"And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:"
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of disunity leading to destruction, as stated in Matthew 12:25, to the situation in the Northern army during the Civil War. The connection is clear and intentional.