"We have precious gifts in Brethren A, B, and C. We cannot afford to have them ruin their health through close confinement and incessant toil. Where can we find men with their experience to supply their places? Two of these brethren have been fourteen years connected with the work in the office, laboring earnestly, conscientiously, and unselfishly for the advancement of the cause of God. They have had scarcely any variation except what fevers and other sickness have given them. They should have a change frequently, should often devote a day wholly to recreation with their families, who are almost entirely deprived of their society. All may not be able to leave the work at the same time; but they should so arrange their work that one or two may go, leaving others to supply their places, and then let these in their turn have the same opportunity. 1T 515.3"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage, advocating for rest and recreation for overworked individuals, shares a thematic parallel with Matthew 11:28, which invites those who labor and are heavy laden to find rest. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the underlying principle of providing rest is present in both passages.
"I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty take care of the health and strength which God has given them. The Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause. They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wants them to live. They can serve the cause of present truth far better by their lives than by their death. If any one of these brethren should be suddenly prostrated by disease, no one should regard it as a direct judgment from the Lord. It will be only the sure result of the violation of nature's laws. They should take heed to the warning given, lest they transgress and have to suffer the heavy penalty. 1T 515.4"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The EGW passage directly relates to the principle of taking care of one's body as a religious duty, echoing the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be used to glorify God. The connection is strong and directly supports the biblical principle.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Both passages discuss the idea of offering one's body in service to God. Romans 12:1 calls for a 'living sacrifice,' while the EGW passage argues against sacrificing one's health to the point of death, suggesting that living and maintaining health is a better service. There's a clear thematic parallel in the concept of dedicating one's physical being to God's work.
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good."
Both passages connect wisdom/understanding with the well-being of one's soul/health. Proverbs 19:8 states that gaining wisdom benefits the individual, while the EGW passage implies that taking care of one's health is a wise and religious duty. The connection lies in the idea that wisdom and understanding lead to actions that preserve and benefit the individual's well-being.