"present position of leading members of the church in relation to these persons, made it almost impossible for us to approach them. LS 186.1"
"But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."
Both passages describe a situation where individuals are hindering others from entering a spiritual state or relationship with God. The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 23:13, where religious leaders are criticized for blocking access to the kingdom of heaven.
"In laboring with the erring, some of our brethren had been too rigid, too cutting in remarks. And when some were disposed to reject their counsel, and separate from them, they would say, “Well, if they want to go off, let them go.” While such a lack of the compassion and long-suffering and tenderness of Jesus was manifested by His professed followers, these poor, erring, inexperienced souls, buffeted by Satan, were certain to make shipwreck of faith. However great may be the wrongs and sins of the erring, our brethren must learn to manifest not only the tenderness of the Great Shepherd, but also His undying care and love for the poor, straying sheep. Our ministers toil and lecture week after week, and rejoice that a few souls embrace the truth; and yet brethren of a prompt, decided turn of mind may, in five minutes, destroy their work by indulging the feelings which prompt words like these: “Well, if they want to leave us, let them go.” LS 186.2"
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
Both passages address the importance of gentleness and restoration when dealing with those who have erred. EGW's passage specifically condemns harshness and emphasizes compassion, echoing the spirit of meekness called for in Galatians 6:1.
"How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?"
Both passages use the imagery of lost sheep to illustrate the importance of seeking out and caring for those who have strayed from the faith. EGW explicitly mentions the 'Great Shepherd' and 'straying sheep,' directly referencing the parable in Matthew 18:12.