"Why do not our brethren send in their pledges on the book and tract fund more liberally? And why do not our ministers take hold of this work in earnest? Our people should see that these works are just what is needed to help those who need help. Here is a chance to invest means according to the blessed plan of liberality. We can sometimes read men nearly as plainly as we read books. There are those among us who put from one hundred to one thousand dollars or more into the Health Institute, who have pledged only from five to twenty- five dollars in the great enterprise of publishing books, pamphlets, and tracts, setting forth truths which have to do with eternal life. One was supposed to be a paying investment. The other, as we might judge from the littleness of the pledges, is supposed to be a dead loss. 1T 689.1"
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of sowing and reaping in relation to financial giving. She criticizes those who give sparingly to the book and tract fund, implying they will reap sparingly in return, mirroring the sentiment in 2 Corinthians 9:6.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Both passages connect one's heart and affections with where they invest their resources. EGW points out the disparity in investment between the Health Institute and the book fund, implying that people's hearts are more invested in the former. This aligns with the principle in Matthew 6:21.
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
Both passages address the importance of practical help versus mere words. EGW criticizes the lack of generous giving to the book and tract fund, which are meant to help those in need of spiritual guidance. This echoes the sentiment in James 2:15-16, which condemns offering empty words of comfort without providing tangible assistance.
"In this charitable book matter, all must act upon the great plan of liberality, such as is carried out in the publication and sale of the American Bibles and tracts. In many respects the course of these mammoth societies is worthy of imitation. Liberality is seen in wills and donations, and it is carried out in sales and donations of Bibles and tracts. Seventh-day Adventists should be as far ahead of these in the book matter as in other things. May God help us. Our tracts should be offered by the hundred at what they cost, leaving a little margin to pay for packing, or wrapping for the mail, and directing. And ministers and people should engage in the circulation of books, pamphlets, and tracts, as never before. Sell where people are able and willing to purchase, and where they are not, give them the books. 1T 689.3"
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
EGW's emphasis on liberality and giving according to one's ability directly reflects the principle in 2 Corinthians 9:7, which encourages giving cheerfully and according to what one has purposed in their heart.