I was shown that if the moral and intellectual faculties had not been clouded by wrong habits of living, ministers and people would have been quick to discern the evil results of mixing sacred and common things. Ministers have stood in the desk and preached a most solemn discourse, and then by introducing merchandise, and acting the part of a salesman, even in the house of God, they have diverted the minds of their hearers from the impressions received, and destroyed the fruit of their labor. If the sensibilities had not been blunted, they would have had discernment to know that they were bringing sacred things down upon a level with common. The burden of selling our publications should not rest upon ministers who labor in word and doctrine. Their time and strength should be held in reserve, that their efforts may be thorough in a series of meetings. Their time and strength should not be drawn upon to sell our books when they can be properly brought before the public by those who have …
"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,"
EGW draws a parallel between ministers engaging in merchandise and Jesus cleansing the temple. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is strong, as both passages address the issue of mixing sacred duties with commercial activities.
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
The EGW passage discusses the blunting of moral and intellectual faculties, hindering discernment. Hebrews 5:14 speaks directly about exercising senses to discern good and evil. The connection is that a lack of spiritual health impairs discernment.
Ministers have all that they ought to do to preach the word, and after they have urged solemn truth upon the people they should maintain a humble dignity as the preachers of exalted truth and as representatives of the truth presented to the people. After their labored effort they need rest. Even selling books upon present truth is a care, a tax to the mind, and a weariness to the body. If there are those who still have a reserve force and can be taxed without injury to themselves, there is important work for them to do, and it has but just commenced when they have spoken the truth to the people. Then come the exemplary preaching, the watchful care, the seeking to do good to others, the conversation, and visiting at the fireside from house to house, entering into the condition of mind and the spiritual state of those who listened to the discourse from their lips; exhorting this one, reproving that one, rebuking another, and comforting the afflicted, suffering, and desponding. The mind s…
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of ministers being diligent and effective in their work. This aligns with the principle in 2 Timothy 2:15, which encourages ministers to study and present themselves as approved workers who accurately handle the word of truth.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
Both passages discuss the role and responsibilities of ministers/elders, particularly their labor in preaching and teaching. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage expands on the idea of ministers deserving respect and recognition for their work, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 5:17.