The ministers preach smooth things to suit carnal professors. They dare not preach Jesus and the cutting truths of the Bible; for if they should, these carnal professors would not remain in the church. But as many of them are wealthy, they must be retained, although they are no more fit to be there than Satan and his angels. This is just as Satan would have it. The religion of Jesus is made to appear popular and honorable in the eyes of the world. The people are told that those who profess religion will be more honored by the world. Such teachings differ very widely from the teachings of Christ. His doctrine and the world could not be at peace. Those who followed Him had to renounce the world. These smooth things originated with Satan and his angels. They formed the plan, and nominal professors carried it out. Pleasing fables were taught and readily received, and hypocrites and open sinners united with the church. If the truth had been preached in its purity, it would soon have shut ou…
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
Both passages discuss a time when people will reject sound doctrine and seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear. The EGW passage specifically mentions 'smooth things' and retaining wealthy members despite their unfitness, which aligns with the idea of 'itching ears' and heaping up teachers to suit their own lusts.
"Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with disgust upon the scene; yet God had a message for the church that was sacred and important. If received, it would make a thorough reformation in the church, revive the living testimony that would purge out hypocrites and sinners, and bring the church again into favor with God. EW 228.2"
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
Both passages discuss God's rebuke and chastening as an expression of love, with the goal of repentance and reformation. The EGW passage speaks of a message that would cause a 'thorough reformation' and 'purge out hypocrites,' which aligns with the call to 'be zealous therefore, and repent' in Revelation 3:19.