"The train had run about three miles from Jackson when its motion became very violent, jerking backward and forward, and finally stopping. I opened the window, and saw one car raised nearly upon end. I heard agonizing groans, and there was great confusion. The engine had been thrown from the track; but the car we were in was on the track, and was separated about one hundred feet from those before it. The baggage car was not much damaged, and our large trunk of books was uninjured. The second-class car was crushed, and the pieces, with the passengers, were thrown on both sides of the track. The car in which we tried to get a seat was much broken, and one end was raised upon the heap of ruins. The coupling did not break, but the car we were in was unfastened from the one before it, as if an angel had separated them. Four were killed or mortally wounded, and many were much injured. We could but feel that God had sent an angel to preserve our lives. 1T 95.1"
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Both passages highlight God as a source of help in times of trouble. The Psalm is a general statement of faith, while EGW's account describes a specific instance of a train accident where she felt God's protection. The connection is thematic, focusing on God's role as a refuge and source of strength during adversity.
"There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
Both passages speak of divine protection from harm. The Psalm promises general protection, while EGW describes a specific instance where she believes God intervened to save her life during a train accident. The connection lies in the theme of divine protection in the face of danger.
"We returned to Jackson, and the next day took the train for Wisconsin. Our visit to that state was blessed of God. Souls were converted as the result of our efforts. The Lord strengthened me to endure the tedious journey. 1T 95.2"
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
The EGW passage mentions the Lord strengthening her to endure a tedious journey, which aligns with the theme of God's strength being made perfect in weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Both passages highlight reliance on God's power to overcome personal limitations and challenges.
"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
Both passages describe the positive results of ministry, with growth and establishment in faith. The EGW passage speaks of conversions and God's blessing on their efforts, while Acts 16:5 describes the establishment and increase of churches. The connection is thematic, focusing on the positive outcomes of faithful service.
"August 29, 1854, another responsibility was added to our family in the birth of Willie. About this time the first number of the paper falsely called The Messenger of Truth was received. Those who slandered us through that paper had been reproved for their faults and errors. They would not bear reproof, and in a secret manner at first, afterward more openly, used their influence against us. This we could have borne, but some of those who should have stood by us were influenced by these wicked persons. Some whom we had trusted, and who had acknowledged that our labors had been signally blessed of God, withdrew their sympathy from us, and bestowed it upon comparative strangers. 1T 95.3"
"For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
The EGW passage describes being betrayed by those who should have supported her, similar to the lament in Psalm 55 about a trusted friend turning against the speaker. The parallel is strong, focusing on the pain of betrayal by someone close.
"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge."
Both passages describe a sense of abandonment by those who should have been supportive. Paul laments that no one stood with him, while EGW describes those who withdrew their sympathy. The thematic parallel is clear and relevant.