"Barnes and Frith, the faithful friends of Tyndale, arose to defend the truth. The Ridleys and Cranmer followed. These leaders in the English Reformation were men of learning, and most of them had been highly esteemed for zeal or piety in the Romish communion. Their opposition to the papacy was the result of their knowledge of the errors of the “holy see.” Their acquaintance with the mysteries of Babylon gave greater power to their testimonies against her. GC 248.2"
"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions the 'mysteries of Babylon' in connection with the papacy, which is a direct reference to Revelation 17:5. The connection is clear and intentional.
“Now I would ask a strange question,” said Latimer. “Who is the most diligent bishop and prelate in all England? ... I see you listening and hearkening that I should name him.... I will tell you: it is the devil.... He is never out of his diocese; call for him when you will, he is ever at home; ... he is ever at his plow.... Ye shall never find him idle, I warrant you.... Where the devil is resident, ... there away with books, and up with candles; away with Bibles, and up with beads; away with the light of the gospel, and up with the light of candles, yea, at noondays; ... down with Christ's cross, up with purgatory pickpurse; ... away with clothing the naked, the poor, and impotent, up with decking of images and gay garnishing of stocks and stones; up with man's traditions and his laws, down with God's traditions and His most holy word.... O that our prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine, as Satan is to sow cockle and darnel!”— Ibid., “Sermon of the Plough.” G…
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
The EGW passage, quoting Latimer, describes the devil's diligence in opposing God's work, which aligns with the concept of Satan transforming into an angel of light to deceive, as described in 2 Corinthians 11:14. The devil's active opposition is a key theme in both passages.
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
The EGW passage, through Latimer's words, contrasts the 'light of the gospel' with the 'light of candles' and other superficial religious practices, mirroring the John 3:19 concept of people preferring darkness (evil deeds) over light (truth).