"At one time a whole family was brought before the inquisitors, charged with remaining away from mass and worshiping at home. On his examination as to their practices in secret the youngest son answered: “We fall on our knees, and pray that God may enlighten our minds and pardon our sins; we pray for our sovereign, that his reign may be prosperous and his life happy; we pray for our magistrates, that God may preserve them.”—Wylie, b. 18, ch. 6. Some of the judges were deeply moved, yet the father and one of his sons were condemned to the stake. GC 240.1"
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
The EGW passage illustrates a family praying for their rulers, even while being persecuted. This directly reflects the instruction in 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray for kings and those in authority.
"The rage of the persecutors was equaled by the faith of the martyrs. Not only men but delicate women and young maidens displayed unflinching courage. “Wives would take their stand by their husband's stake, and while he was enduring the fire they would whisper words of solace, or sing psalms to cheer him.” “Young maidens would lie down in their living grave as if they were entering into their chamber of nightly sleep; or go forth to the scaffold and the fire, dressed in their best apparel, as if they were going to their marriage.”— Ibid., b. 18, ch. 6. GC 240.2"
"Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:"
The EGW passage describes the unwavering faith and courage of martyrs, including women, facing persecution. This aligns with the theme in Hebrews 11:35 of individuals being tortured for their faith, refusing deliverance in order to obtain a better resurrection.
"As in the days when paganism sought to destroy the gospel, the blood of the Christians was seed. (See Tertullian, Apology, paragraph 50.) Persecution served to increase the number of witnesses for the truth. Year after year the monarch, stung to madness by the unconquerable determination of the people, urged on his cruel work; but in vain. Under the noble William of Orange the Revolution at last brought to Holland freedom to worship God. GC 240.3"
"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
The EGW passage describes persecution leading to the spread of the gospel, echoing the effect of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the passage reflects the principle that persecution can strengthen faith and increase the number of believers.