Yet no one took the interest in her case that we did. I even spoke to the large congregation before we went East last fall, of their neglect of Sister More. I spoke of the duty of giving honor to whom it is due; it appeared to me that wisdom had so far departed from the prudent that they were not capable of appreciating moral worth. I told that church that there were many among them who could find time to meet, and sing, and play their instruments of music; they could give their money to the artist to multiply their likenesses, or could spend it to attend public amusements; but they had nothing to give to a worn-out missionary who had heartily embraced the present truth and had come to live with those of like precious faith. I advised them to stop and consider what we were doing, and proposed that they shut up their instruments of music for three months and take time to humble themselves before God in self-examination, repentance, and prayer until they learned the claims which the Lord…
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of honoring those to whom honor is due, particularly in the context of neglecting a missionary. This aligns with the principle of 'in honour preferring one another' found in Romans 12:10, which encourages showing respect and consideration to fellow believers.
"Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Both passages deal with neglecting the needs of others, particularly those who are vulnerable. EGW's passage speaks of neglecting a missionary, while Matthew 25:45 speaks of neglecting 'the least of these.' The underlying principle of caring for those in need connects them.
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
Both passages address the issue of misplaced priorities. In Matthew 23:23, the Pharisees are criticized for focusing on minor details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. Similarly, EGW criticizes the church members for spending money on entertainment and personal luxuries while neglecting the needs of a missionary. Both highlight the importance of focusing on the 'weightier matters'.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Both passages connect one's priorities with one's heart or affections. EGW points out that the church members' treasure was in entertainment and personal luxuries, not in caring for the missionary. Matthew 6:21 directly states that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The connection is thematic, focusing on the relationship between values and actions.