There are many who in good faith have sent in to the office means which they had to make a sacrifice to obtain. Some, both men and women, have worked very hard, and consecrated to the Lord the means obtained by hard labor and the closest economy, and have sent it to the office to advance the cause. Poor widows have sent nearly their whole dependence, trusting in God to take care of them, and the means has been consecrated with prayers and tears, yet sent with joyfulness, they feeling that they were aiding in the great work of saving souls. Poor families have sold their only cow, denying themselves and their little children of milk, feeling that they were making a sacrifice for God. They have put their means into the office in good faith. Selfishness and mismanagement have helped to squander this means. God holds those accountable who have had the handling of it. “Give an account of thy stewardship,” will soon be heard. May the Lord help you to free yourselves from every blemish. 2T 571…
"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
The EGW passage describes poor widows sacrificing their means to support the cause, mirroring the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42 who gave all she had. The EGW passage amplifies the theme of sacrifice and devotion, highlighting the contrast between the widow's generosity and the mismanagement of funds by others.
"seen in regard to you. I am satisfied that you are wandering in mist and darkness. You do not see things in the right light. You blind your eyes in regard to your own case by excusing yourself thus: “I would not have done this or that if it had not been for certain influences of others which led me to that course of action.” 2T 571.2"
"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:"
Both passages discuss a state of spiritual blindness and darkness. Ephesians 4:18 describes a general condition of darkened understanding and alienation from God. The EGW passage speaks of a specific individual blinded by self-justification, wandering in mist and darkness. The common theme of spiritual blindness makes this a valid thematic parallel.