"Many earnestly desired to return to the purity and simplicity which characterized the primitive church. They regarded many of the established customs of the English Church as monuments of idolatry, and they could not in conscience unite in her worship. But the church, being supported by the civil authority, would permit no dissent from her forms. Attendance upon her service was required by law, and unauthorized assemblies for religious worship were prohibited, under penalty of imprisonment, exile, and death. GC 290.1"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
The EGW passage describes the Pilgrims' desire to obey God's conscience over the laws of the English Church. This directly reflects the principle in Acts 5:29, where the apostles declare their obligation to obey God rather than men.
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
Both passages involve a call to separate from a corrupt religious system. Revelation 18:4 calls people to come out of Babylon to avoid its sins and plagues, while EGW describes the Pilgrims' desire to separate from the Church of England due to its perceived idolatry and corruption.
"In their flight they had left their houses, their goods, and their means of livelihood. They were strangers in a strange land, among a people of different language and customs. They were forced to resort to new and untried occupations to earn their bread. Middle-aged men, who had spent their lives in tilling the soil, had now to learn mechanical trades. But they cheerfully accepted the situation and lost no time in idleness or repining. Though often pinched with poverty, they thanked God for the blessings which were still granted them and found their joy in unmolested spiritual communion. “They knew they were pilgrims, and looked not much on those things, but lifted up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits.”—Bancroft, pt. 1, ch. 12, par. 15. GC 290.3"
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
Both passages describe people who consider themselves pilgrims or strangers on earth, focusing on their spiritual priorities rather than earthly possessions. EGW's passage illustrates the principle of Hebrews 11:13 in the context of the Pilgrims.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Both passages emphasize contentment in difficult circumstances. The EGW passage describes the Pilgrims' acceptance of hardship, while Philippians 4:11 expresses Paul's learned contentment. The EGW passage illustrates the principle of contentment in the face of adversity.