"All consideration should be shown for those in error and all just credit given them for honesty. We should come as near the people as possible, and then the light and truth which we have may benefit them. But Brother E, like many of our ministers, commences a warfare at once against the errors that others cherish; he thus raises their combativeness and their set wills, and this holds them encased in an armor of selfish prejudice which no amount of evidence can remove. 3T 462.2"
"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Both passages highlight the importance of adapting to others in order to win them over. Paul speaks of becoming 'all things to all men,' while EGW criticizes the minister for immediately starting a 'warfare' against others' errors, raising combativeness and prejudice. The theme of empathy and meeting people where they are is shared.
"Who but yourself will be responsible for the souls that you have turned away from the truth by your unsanctified labors? Who can break down the walls of prejudice which your injudicious labor has built up? I know of no greater sin against God than for men to engage in the ministry who labor in self and not in Christ. They are looked up to as the representatives of Christ, when they do not represent His spirit in any of their labors. They do not see or realize the dangers attending the efforts made by unconsecrated, unconverted men. They move on like blind men, deficient in almost everything and yet self-confident and self-sufficient, themselves walking in darkness and stumbling at every step. They are bodies in darkness. 3T 462.3"
"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
Both passages warn against the dangers of unqualified or unsanctified teachers. James warns against being 'many masters' and receiving greater condemnation, while EGW emphasizes the responsibility for souls turned away by unsanctified labors and the dangers of unconsecrated men in ministry. The principle of accountability and the potential for harm caused by unqualified teachers is present in both.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Both passages address the issue of individuals performing religious acts without genuine conversion or a right relationship with God. The EGW passage speaks of those who 'labor in self and not in Christ' and the Matthew passage speaks of those who prophesy, cast out devils, and do wonderful works but are ultimately rejected by Christ because He never knew them. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of genuine faith over outward performance.
"Brother E, you have narrow ideas, and your labor has a tendency to lower rather than to elevate the truth. This is not because you have no ability. You could have made a good workman, but you are too indolent to make the effort necessary to attain the object. You would rather come down in a harsh and overbearing manner upon those who differ with you than to take the trouble to elevate the tone of your labor. You take positions, and then when they are questioned you are not humble enough to yield your notions though they are shown to be wrong; but you stand up in your independence and firmly hold to your ideas when concession on your part is essential and is required of you as a duty. You have stubbornly and unyieldingly held to your own judgment and opinions to the sacrifice of souls. 3T 462.4"
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle of humility and consideration for others found in Philippians 2:3. The criticism of Brother E's overbearing manner and unwillingness to yield his notions directly contradicts the call to lowliness of mind and esteeming others better than oneself.