"***** I am instructed to caution my brethren in the Southern field not to move hastily in establishing large enterprises and new centers just now, in a way that will divide their workers and their means, thus weakening their forces at this critical time in their work. Let them wait until some of the interests that have been started approach more nearly to perfection. Let them not rush into new enterprises before the institutions at Graysville and Huntsville are more firmly established and the interests centering in Nashville are strengthened. 7T 234.2"
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
The EGW passage advises caution and careful planning before establishing new enterprises, echoing the principle of counting the cost before building, as described in Luke 14:28.
"***** As yet there are comparatively few places in the South that have been worked. There are many, many cities in which nothing has been done. Centers of influence may be established in many places by the opening up of health food stores, hygienic restaurants, and treatment rooms. Not all that needs to be done can be specified before a beginning is made. Let those in charge of the Southern work pray over the matter, and remember that God is guiding. Let no narrowness or selfishness be manifested. Plan to carry forward the work simply, sensibly, economically. 7T 234.3"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
Both passages highlight the need for more workers in a large field. Matthew 9:37 speaks of a plentiful harvest with few laborers, while the EGW passage mentions many unworked places in the South. The connection is thematic, focusing on the need for more effort.