"Page 210, Organization—Up to the year 1860 there had been no legal or church organization among the Sabbathkeeping Adventists. They had not even adopted a name. They spoke of themselves as the “Scattered Flock,” The “Little Remnant,” or some variation of such expressions. Now Elder White had announced through the Review that he must refuse to continue to assume personal responsibility for money lent to the Review and Herald office. He further expressed the hope that the time might soon come when “this people will be in that position necessary to be able to get church property insured, hold their meeting houses in a proper manner, that those persons making their wills, and wishing to do so, can appropriate a portion to the publishing department.” He called upon his brethren to make suggestions as to how this desire might be effected so that “we as a people” might act to secure the above advantages. 1T 715.1"
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"
The EGW passage describes the Sabbathkeeping Adventists' need for organization and a formal identity. While not a direct reference, the concept of a 'peculiar people' in 1 Peter 2:9, set apart and distinct, resonates with the Adventists' desire to establish their identity and purpose.
"Among the first responses to this request was one from the Brother B referred to in this connection, in which he expressed his conviction that it would be wrong to incorporate as a religious body according to law. This he held would be “making us a name,” as was the purpose of the builders of the tower of Babel, and would “lie at the foundation of Babylon.” As for insuring the meeting houses, were they not the Lord's property, and could he not take care of his own without the aid of insurance companies? Further, said he, those who lend money to the office should not insist on having a note signed by a legal corporation, for “they lend it to the Lord, and they must trust the Lord for it.”—The Review and Herald, February 23, March 22, 1860. 1T 715.2"
"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."
The EGW passage directly quotes and interprets the Genesis verse in the context of organizational concerns, making the connection explicit.