"Much might have been accomplished by the people of America if adequate efforts in behalf of the freedmen had been put forth by the Government and by the Christian churches immediately after the emancipation of the slaves. Money should have been used freely to care for and educate them at the time they were so greatly in need of help. But the Government, after a little effort, left the Negro to struggle, unaided, with his burden of difficulties. Some of the strong Christian churches began a good work, but sadly failed to reach more than a comparatively few; and the Seventh-day Adventist Church has failed to act its part. Some persevering efforts have been put forth by individuals and by societies to uplift the colored people, and a noble work has been done. But how few have had a part in this work which should have had the sympathy and help of all! 9T 205.1"
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"
Both passages address the need to help the oppressed and marginalized. Luke 4:18 speaks of Jesus' mission to preach to the poor and deliver the captives, while the EGW passage discusses the need to help the freedmen after the emancipation of slaves. The connection is thematic, focusing on helping those in need.
"Noble efforts have been put forth by some Seventh-day Adventists to do the work that needed to be done for the colored people. Had those who were engaged in this work received the co-operation of all their ministering brethren, the result of their work would now be altogether different from what it is. But the great majority of our ministers did not co-operate, as they should have done, with the few who were struggling to carry forward a much-needed work in a difficult field. 9T 205.2"
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
The EGW passage emphasizes the need for cooperation among ministers in their work. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 directly supports this principle by highlighting the benefits of teamwork and mutual support. The connection is a direct application of the biblical principle to the specific context of ministry.
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of cooperation in ministry, specifically regarding work among colored people. 1 Corinthians 3:9 speaks of being laborers together with God. The connection lies in the shared theme of working together in God's service.