"Our first Conference in New York was held at Volney, in a brother's barn. About thirty-five were present— all that could be collected in that part of the state. But of this number, hardly two were agreed. Some were holding serious errors, and each strenuously urged his own views, declaring that they were according to the Scriptures. 1T 86.2"
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
The EGW passage describes disunity and disagreement among believers, which directly parallels the call for unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10. The context of the EGW passage highlights the problem that Paul addresses.
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."
Both passages describe disputing among believers. While Acts 15:7 is specifically about the issue of Gentiles, the general theme of disagreement and debate is present in both.
"These strange differences of opinion brought a heavy weight upon me, as it seemed to me that God was dishonored; and I fainted under the burden. Some feared that I was dying; but the Lord heard the prayers of His servants, and I revived. The light of heaven rested upon me, and I was soon lost to earthly things. My accompanying angel presented before me some of the errors of those present, and also the truth in contrast with their errors. These discordant views which they claimed to be according to the Bible were only according to their opinion of the Bible, and they must yield their errors and unite upon the third angel's message. Our meeting closed triumphantly. Truth gained the victory. The brethren renounced their errors, and united upon the third angel's message, and God greatly blessed them and added to their numbers. 1T 86.3"
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
The EGW passage speaks of differing views of the Bible and the need to yield errors. 1 Corinthians 2:14 speaks of the natural man not understanding spiritual things. The connection lies in the idea that without spiritual discernment, one's understanding of truth (including biblical truth) can be flawed. It's a thematic parallel, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
Both passages involve prayer in a difficult situation and a positive outcome. The EGW passage describes prayer leading to revival and resolution of conflict, while Acts 12:5 describes prayer for Peter's release from prison. The connection is thematic, focusing on the power of prayer, but not a direct allusion or principle.
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Both passages emphasize the importance of unity, particularly in the context of faith and belief. The EGW passage speaks of uniting upon Bible truth, while the Ephesians verse speaks of maintaining unity of the Spirit. This is a clear thematic parallel.
We returned to Middletown, where we had left our child during our western journey. And now a painful duty presented itself. For the good of souls we felt that we must sacrifice the company of our little Henry, that we might give ourselves unreservedly to the work. My health was poor, and he would necessarily occupy a great share of my time. It was a severe trial, yet I dared not let the child stand in the way of my duty. I believed that the Lord had spared him to us when he was very sick, and that if I should let him hinder me from doing my duty, God would remove him from me. Alone before the Lord, with most painful feelings and many tears, I made the sacrifice, and gave up my only child, then one year old, for another to exercise a mother's feelings toward him, and to act a mother's part. We left him in Brother Howland's family, in whom we had the utmost confidence. They were willing to bear burdens to leave us as free as possible to labor in the cause of God. We knew that they could …
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Both passages deal with the difficult choice of prioritizing God's work over familial love. EGW's sacrifice of leaving her child mirrors the sentiment in Matthew 10:37, where Jesus states that love for family should not supersede love for Him. The parallel is strong and intentional.