***** Chapter 70—Dangers and Duty of Ministers I have been shown that more can now be accomplished by laboring in places where a few have been raised up, than in entirely new fields, unless the opening is very good. A few in different towns who really believe the truth will exert an influence and excite inquiry in regard to their faith; and if their lives are exemplary, their light will shine, and they will have a gathering influence. And yet I was shown places where the truth has not been proclaimed, which should be visited soon. But the great work now to be accomplished is to bring up the people of God to engage in the work and exert a holy influence. They should act the part of laborers. With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother's keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible fo…
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The phrase 'their light will shine' is a direct allusion to Matthew 5:16, and the context of exemplary lives influencing others aligns with the verse's message.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Both passages emphasize the importance of believers being witnesses and spreading their faith. EGW's passage focuses on local influence, while Acts 1:8 speaks of a broader geographical scope, but the underlying principle of active witness is present in both.
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Both passages encourage immediate action in spreading the message. John 4:35 speaks of the harvest being ready now, while EGW emphasizes the urgency of reaching people with the truth.
"I saw that both the South and the North were being punished. In regard to the South, I was referred to Deuteronomy 32:35-37 : “To Me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. For the Lord shall judge His people, and repent Himself for His servants, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. And He shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted?” 1T 368.1"
"To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,"
Ellen White directly references Deuteronomy 32:35-37 in this passage.