These small tracts of four, eight, or sixteen pages can be furnished for a trifle from a fund raised by the donations of those who have the cause at heart. When you write to a friend you can enclose one or more without increasing postage. When you meet persons in the cars, on the boat, or in the stage who seem to have an ear to hear, you can hand them a tract. These tracts should not at present be scattered promiscuously like the autumn leaves, but should be judiciously and freely handed to those who would be likely to prize them. Thus our publications and the Publishing Association will be advertised in a manner that will result in much good. 1T 552.1 ***** Chapter 98—The “Health Reformer” The people are perishing for want of knowledge. Says the apostle: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” After receiving the faith of the gospel, our first work is to seek to add virtuous and pure principles, and thus cleanse the mind and heart for the reception of true knowledge. Dise…
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
The idea of providing tracts 'for a trifle' echoes the principle of freely giving as Christ instructed his disciples.
"And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence."
The instruction to judiciously hand out tracts to those 'likely to prize them' parallels the idea of seeking out worthy individuals to share the message with.
"them and preserve health. The great object to be kept in view by the publication of such a journal should be the good of the suffering people of God. The common people, especially those too poor to attend the Institute, must be reached and instructed by the Health Reformer . 1T 552.3"
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of health and well-being, which aligns with the sentiment expressed in 3 John 1:2, where the author wishes for the recipient's health to prosper. The connection is direct and reflects a shared concern for physical health alongside spiritual growth.
"The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."
Both passages emphasize reaching the poor and addressing their needs. Matthew 11:5 highlights Jesus' ministry to the marginalized, while the EGW passage focuses on providing health information to those who cannot afford the Institute. The parallel lies in the concern for the well-being of the less fortunate.
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Both passages express concern for the suffering and the need to provide guidance and help. Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus' compassion for the multitudes, while the EGW passage focuses on reaching the suffering people of God with health information. The parallel lies in the shared concern for those in need.