"God has led out men who have toiled for years, who have been willing to make any sacrifice, who have suffered privation, and endured trials to bring the truth before the world, and by their consistent course remove the reproach that fanatics have brought upon the cause of God. They have met opposition in every form. They have toiled night and day in searching the evidences of our faith that they might bring out the truth in its clearness, in a connected form, that it might withstand all opposition. Incessant labor and mental trials in connection with this great work have worn down more than one constitution and prematurely sprinkled heads with gray hairs. They have not worn out in vain. God has marked their earnest, tearful, agonizing prayers that they might have light and truth, and that the truth might shine in its clearness to others. He has marked their self-sacrificing efforts, and He will reward them as their works have been. 1T 419.1"
"In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."
Both passages describe the hardships and sacrifices endured by those who dedicate themselves to spreading the gospel.
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Both passages emphasize the dedication and effort required to preach and defend the truth.
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
The EGW passage speaks of persecution and suffering for the sake of truth, which aligns with the blessing pronounced in Matthew 5:11 for those persecuted for Christ's sake. The connection is thematic, focusing on the experience of those who face opposition for their faith.
"On the other hand, those who have not toiled to bring out these precious truths have come up and received some points, like the Sabbath truth, which are all prepared to their hand, and then all the gratitude they manifest for that which cost them nothing, but others so much, is to rise up like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and reproach those upon whom God has laid the burden of His work. They would say: “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them.” They are strangers to gratitude. They possess a strong spirit which will not yield to reason and which will lead them on to their own destruction. 1T 419.2"
"And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?"
EGW directly quotes Numbers 16:3, attributing the sentiment to those who, like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, challenge divinely appointed leadership. This is a clear and intentional allusion.
"Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:"
EGW explicitly mentions Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, referencing the narrative in Numbers 16. While Numbers 16:1 only introduces these figures, the reference is clearly to the broader story of their rebellion.
"For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?"
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of rebellion and questioning of authority found in Numbers 16:11. Korah's rebellion was ultimately against the Lord, and EGW draws a parallel to those who challenge the leaders God has appointed.