"The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall. My father, with his family, attended them quite regularly. The period of the second advent was thought to be in the year 1843. The time seemed so short in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all that was in my power to lead sinners into the light of truth. But it seemed impossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in the great work. 1T 38.1"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
EGW's passage describes a sense of urgency to save souls due to the perceived nearness of the Second Advent. This directly parallels the sentiment in Matthew 9:37, where Jesus observes that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, highlighting the need for more workers to gather souls.
"tracts to be distributed gratuitously. This was the best we could do, and we did this little gladly. I could earn only twenty-five cents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad. 1T 38.2"
"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
Both passages highlight the sacrifice of someone with limited means contributing to a greater cause. EGW's passage describes her sacrificing personal comforts to purchase books for distribution, while the widow in Mark offers her meager earnings. The connection is thematic, focusing on sacrificial giving, but not a direct allusion.
"Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, for it was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare for the great event near at hand. Day after day I sat in bed propped up with pillows, performing my allotted task with trembling fingers. How carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return, which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten and arouse those who were in darkness. I had no temptation to spend my earnings for my own personal gratification; the salvation of souls was the burden of my mind, and my heart ached for those who flattered themselves that they were living in security, while the message of warning was being given to the world. 1T 38.3"
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The EGW passage explicitly states she had no temptation to spend her earnings on personal gratification, but rather on spreading the message. This directly reflects the principle of Matthew 6:19-21, which contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures and emphasizes that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.
"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 describes her efforts to spread light and warning to the world through printed materials. This aligns with the general theme of Matthew 5:16, which encourages believers to let their light shine through good works. The connection is thematic, focusing on being a light to the world.
"Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
Both passages describe a burden for the spiritual well-being of others. Paul's 'care of all the churches' and EGW's burden for the salvation of souls share a similar theme of responsibility and concern for the spiritual state of others. However, the connection is not strong enough to warrant a higher confidence.