In some cases when generals have been in most terrible conflict, where their men have fallen like rain, a reinforcement at the right time would have given them a victory. But other generals cared nothing how many lives were lost, and rather than come to the help of those in an engagement, as though their interests were one, they withheld the necessary aid, fearing that their brother general would receive the honor of successfully repulsing the enemy. Through envy and jealousy they have even exulted to see the enemy gain the victory and repulse Union men. Southern men possess a hellish spirit in this Rebellion, but Northern men are not clear. Many of them possess a selfish jealousy, fearing that others will obtain honors and be exalted above themselves. Oh, how many thousands of lives have been sacrificed on this account! Those of other nations who have conducted war have had but one interest. With a disinterested zeal they have moved on to conquer or to die. Leading men in the Revoluti…
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Both passages address the issue of selfishness and vainglory hindering a common goal. The EGW passage describes how envy and jealousy among Union generals led to unnecessary loss of life, while Philippians 2:3 encourages humility and considering others better than oneself. The thematic parallel is strong and relevant.
"their reach. And some generals would rather allow the rebels to escape than to subdue them. They think more of the darling institution of slavery than of the prosperity of the nation. These are among the reasons why the war is so protracted. 1T 366.2"
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
The generals prioritizing slavery over the nation's prosperity echoes the idea of serving two masters, where one is valued more than the other.