There are many restless spirits who will not submit to discipline, system, and order. They think that their liberties would be abridged were they to lay aside their own judgment and submit to the judgment of those of experience. The work of God will not progress unless there is a disposition to submit to order and expel the reckless, disorderly spirit of fanaticism from their meetings. Impressions and feelings are no sure evidence that a person is led by the Lord. Satan will, if he is unsuspected, give feelings and impressions. These are not safe guides. All should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the evidences of our faith, and the great study should be how they can adorn their profession and bear fruit to the glory of God. None should take a course to make themselves disgusting to unbelievers. We should be chaste, modest, and elevated in conversation, and blameless in life. A trifling, joking, reckless spirit should be rebuked. It is no evidence of the grace of God upon the heart …
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of order and decency in church matters, as advocated in 1 Corinthians 14:40. The emphasis on discipline, system, and order aligns strongly with Paul's instruction.
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of submitting to the judgment of experienced leaders and avoiding a 'restless spirit' that resists discipline. This directly reflects the principle of Hebrews 13:17, which calls for obedience and submission to those who have rule over you.
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
The EGW passage warns against being swayed by 'impressions and feelings' and emphasizes the need for a solid foundation in faith. This aligns with Ephesians 4:14, which cautions against being 'tossed to and fro' by every wind of doctrine. Both passages highlight the danger of being easily influenced by unstable or deceptive forces.
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
The EGW passage warns against using 'liberty' (from rules/discipline) as an excuse for disorderly conduct and resisting authority. This parallels Galatians 5:13, which cautions against using Christian liberty as an 'occasion to the flesh' (selfish indulgence). Both passages address the potential misuse of freedom.
"There is a strange mixture of views among professed Sabbathkeepers in ——. Some are not in harmony with the body, and while they continue to occupy the position they now do, they will be subject to the temptations of Satan and will be affected with fanaticism and the spirit of error. Some have fanciful views which blind their eyes to important, vital points of truth, leading them to place their own fanciful inferences upon a level with vital truth. The appearance of such, and the spirit which attends them, makes the Sabbath which they profess very objectionable to the sensible unbeliever. It would be far better for the progress and success of the third angel's message if such persons would leave the truth. 1T 413.2"
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Both passages warn against being led astray from the true faith. Paul expresses fear of corruption from the simplicity in Christ, while EGW warns against fanciful views and the spirit of error. The serpent's subtilty is analogous to the temptations of Satan and the blinding effect of fanciful views.
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
EGW speaks against the 'strange mixture of views' and 'fanaticism and the spirit of error' which directly contrasts with the principle of God not being the author of confusion but of peace. The EGW passage addresses a specific instance of disunity and confusion within a religious group, while the Bible verse states a general principle about God's nature and its implications for church life.