"The brethren in the office feel that they cannot leave the work for a few days for a change, for recreation; but this is a mistake. They can and should do so. Even if there were not as much accomplished, it would be better to leave for a few days than to be prostrated by disease and be separated from the work for months, and perhaps never be able to engage in it again. 1T 519.1"
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
Both passages address the need for rest and separation from work, especially when overwhelmed. The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Jesus encouraging his disciples to rest.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
The EGW passage advocates for rest and recreation to avoid burnout, which aligns with the principle in Proverbs 17:22 that a cheerful disposition (resulting from rest and recreation) is beneficial for health and well-being.
"brain labor. They should attend convocation meetings. They need to throw off care, share the hospitality of their brethren, and enjoy their society and the blessings of the meetings. They will thus receive fresh thoughts, and their wearied energies will be awakened to new life, and they will return to the work far better qualified to perform their part, for they will better understand the wants of the cause. 1T 519.2"
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Both passages emphasize the benefit of interaction and fellowship. The EGW passage suggests that attending meetings and sharing with brethren will provide fresh thoughts and awaken energies, similar to how iron sharpens iron in Proverbs 27:17.
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Both passages highlight the importance of fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth through gatherings. The EGW passage encourages attending meetings for refreshment and understanding, while Acts 2:42 describes the early church's commitment to fellowship and learning.
"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Both passages encourage hospitality and caring for fellow believers. EGW's passage specifically mentions sharing hospitality with brethren at convocation meetings, while Romans 12:13 speaks generally about distributing to the needs of the saints and being given to hospitality. The connection is thematic, as both emphasize the importance of caring for and supporting fellow believers.