"These interests should be broken up into many parts in order that the work may start in cities which it will be necessary to make centers of interest. Buildings should be erected and responsibilities centered in many localities that are now robbed of vital, spiritual interest in order to swell the overplus already in Battle Creek. The Lord is not glorified by this management on the part of those who are in responsible positions. “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” Habakkuk 2:14 ; John 17:3 . 8T 60.1"
"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
EGW directly quotes Habakkuk 2:14.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
EGW directly quotes John 17:3.
"The salvation of the heathen has long been deemed a matter that should engage the interest of Christians, and it is not more than justice to bring light to their dark borders. But home missionary work is just as much needed. The heathen are brought to our very doors. Idolatrous ignorance is within the very shadow of our homes. Something is being done for the colored people, but next to nothing compared with what others receive who already have a knowledge of the truth, who have had opportunities innumerable, but who have not half appreciated their advantages. To those who know not the truth, let the love of Jesus be presented, and it will work like leaven for the transformation of character. 8T 60.2"
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Both passages deal with the spreading of the gospel. Acts 1:8 outlines the geographical progression of evangelism, while EGW emphasizes the need for 'home missionary work' and reaching those nearby, echoing the principle of starting locally before expanding outward.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages emphasize caring for those in need, particularly the marginalized. Matthew 25:40 speaks of serving 'the least of these,' while EGW speaks of the 'heathen' at our doors and the neglect of the 'colored people.'
"What are we doing for the Southern field? I have looked most anxiously to see if some plan would not be set in operation to redeem the sinful neglect of that field, but I see not a proposition or a resolution to do anything. Perhaps something has been planned that I have not seen. I hope so, and praise the Lord if it is so. But though for years our duty has been laid out in a most decided manner, yet the Southern field has been touched only with the tips of our fingers. I now feel deeply in earnest in again bringing before you this neglected portion of the Lord's vineyard. This matter is brought before me again and again. I have been awakened in the night season, and the command has come: Write the things that I have opened before you, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. 8T 60.3"
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Both passages express concern for a neglected group of people. Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus' compassion for the multitudes who are like 'sheep having no shepherd,' while EGW expresses concern for the 'Southern field' and its 'sinful neglect.'