"A large class, even of those who look upon Romanism with no favor, apprehend little danger from her power and influence. Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during the Middle Ages favored the spread of her dogmas, superstitions, and oppression, and that the greater intelligence of modern times, the general diffusion of knowledge, and the increasing liberality in matters of religion forbid a revival of intolerance and tyranny. The very thought that such a state of things will exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. It is true that great light, intellectual, moral, and religious, is shining upon this generation. In the open pages of God's Holy Word, light from heaven has been shed upon the world. But it should be remembered that the greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who pervert and reject it. GC 572.1"
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."
Both passages discuss the rejection of truth leading to spiritual darkness and destruction. EGW expands on the idea of increased light leading to greater condemnation when rejected, which aligns with the principle in 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"
Both passages address the concept of people claiming wisdom but demonstrating foolishness. EGW applies this to those who pride themselves on enlightenment but are ignorant of Scripture, echoing the sentiment in Romans 1:22.
"God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world—those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power. GC 572.2"
"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 describe people who reject sound doctrine and seek teachers who will cater to their desires. EGW connects this to the appeal of the papacy, which offers a way to quiet consciences without genuine spiritual transformation, mirroring the 'itching ears' described in 2 Timothy 4:3.
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Both passages contrast two paths: one that is easy and popular but leads to destruction, and another that is difficult and less traveled but leads to life. EGW applies this to the two classes of people the papacy caters to, suggesting a broad way and a narrow way. However, the connection is not a direct principle, but a thematic parallel.
A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without God's word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, “science falsely so called;” they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that man's intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as success…
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Both passages address the idea of people being unable to grasp the truth despite learning or intellectual pursuits. EGW speaks of being 'dazzled by the glare of human speculations,' while 2 Timothy 3:7 describes those 'ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.'