"than any one else. Those who do not labor have no need of rest. There are always those who spare themselves, and who come far short of bearing their share of responsibility. They can talk of great and crushing burdens, but they do not know what it means to bear them. Their work yields but meager results. GW 246.1"
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment in Matthew 23:4 about those who place burdens on others without sharing in the work themselves. It highlights the hypocrisy of those who talk about burdens but avoid responsibility.
"It was to those worn down in His service, not to those who were always sparing themselves, that Christ addressed His gracious words. And today it is to the self-forgetful, those who work to the very extent of their ability, who are distressed because they cannot do more, and who in their zeal go beyond their strength, that the Saviour says, “Come ye yourselves apart, ...and rest awhile.” GW 246.2"
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
EGW directly quotes and applies Mark 6:31 to a specific group of people, amplifying its meaning in that context.
"***** In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs or its practices; and every one needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God.... He bids us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [ Psalm 46:10 .] Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all labor for God. Amid the hurrying throng, and the strain of life's intense activities, the soul that is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. The life will breathe out fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men's hearts.— The Desire of Ages, 363 . GW 246.3"
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 46:10 in this passage.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
The EGW passage speaks of a life not in harmony with the world and the need for personal experience in knowing God's will. This strongly parallels Romans 12:2, which urges believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds to discern God's will. Both emphasize separation from worldly customs and alignment with God's will.