be offended. They are self-condemned and feel that subjects have been purposely selected to touch their case. They feel grieved and injured, and withdraw themselves from the assemblies of the saints. They forsake the assembling of themselves together, for then their consciences are not so disturbed. They soon lose their interest in the meetings and their love for the truth, and, unless they entirely reform, will go back and take their position with the rebel host who stand under the black banner of Satan. If these will crucify fleshly lusts which war against the soul, they will get out of the way, where the arrows of truth will pass harmlessly by them. But while they indulge lustful appetite, and thus cherish their idols, they make themselves a mark for the arrows of truth to hit, and if truth is spoken at all, they must be wounded. Some think that they cannot reform, that health would be sacrificed should they attempt to leave the use of tea, tobacco, and flesh meats. This is the sugg…
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The EGW passage directly uses the phrase "forsake the assembling of themselves together," which is a clear allusion to Hebrews 10:25. The context of the EGW passage also aligns with the warning in Hebrews about neglecting fellowship.
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"
EGW directly references the concept of abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, which is a clear echo of 1 Peter 2:11.
"And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Both passages discuss the idea of crucifying the flesh and its desires. EGW elaborates on the practical implications of this principle, particularly in relation to health and spiritual growth.