"Chapter 87—Recreation for Christians I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard without allowing themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical labor and is still more essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. There are amusements, such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil. They are not beneficial in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some minds a passion for those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation. All such plays should be condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place. 1T 514"
"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"
Both passages address the concept of appropriate times for different activities. Ecclesiastes 3:4 speaks of a time for weeping and a time for laughing, and a time to mourn and a time to dance, while EGW discusses the need for recreation and rest, contrasting it with inappropriate amusements. The connection lies in the idea of balance and appropriateness.
"I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger that our children will be exposed to evil influences, and become corrupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parents study to get up something to take the place of more dangerous amusements. Give your children to understand that you have their good and happiness in view. 1T 514.2"
"And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."
Both passages address the idea of not being consumed by the world. EGW advises against patterning holidays after the world, while 1 Corinthians 7:31 encourages using the world without abusing it. The connection is thematic, focusing on a balanced approach to worldly things.