"“I attended the camp meeting held at Waterville, Maine, September 6-11. Here in my native State I met dear brethren and sisters whose interest has for years been identified with the cause and work of present truth.... We had some very precious seasons at this camp meeting. Many cheering testimonies were borne; but there was not that thorough work which we greatly desired to have accomplished.... There is a kind of faith that takes it for granted that we have the truth; but the faith that takes God at His word, which works by love and purifies the heart, is very rare.” LS 277"
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
The EGW passage directly references 'faith which works by love' and contrasts it with a superficial faith. This is a clear allusion to Galatians 5:6, which emphasizes the importance of faith expressed through love.
"“Who will put to use the talents lent them of God, be they great or small, and work in humility, learning daily in the school of Christ, and then imparting that precious knowledge to others? Who will see what ought to be done, and do it? And how many will make excuses, become tied up with worldly interests? Cut the cords that bind you, and go into the vineyard to work for the Master. LS 277.1"
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."
EGW's call to 'go into the vineyard to work for the Master' directly alludes to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The emphasis on using talents and avoiding worldly excuses aligns with the parable's message of diligent service.
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Both passages encourage a mindful and purposeful approach to life and service. EGW's call to 'cut the cords that bind you' and work for the Master resonates with the idea of 'redeeming the time' and avoiding foolishness in Ephesians.
"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage's emphasis on using talents aligns with the principle in Luke 12:48 that those given more will be expected to do more. The call to use talents, 'be they great or small,' reflects this principle.
"“In every department of the cause of God, consecrated, God-fearing, willing helpers are needed; men of brains, men of intellect, who will go forth as ministers, canvassers, and colporteurs. Brethren and sisters, let the earnest prayer of faith ascend to God that He will raise up laborers, and send them into the harvest field; for the harvest is great, and the laborers are few.” The Review and Herald, November 20, 1883 . LS 277.2"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
EGW directly quotes and alludes to Matthew 9:37-38, emphasizing the need for laborers in the harvest field. The phrase 'the harvest is great, and the laborers are few' is a clear and direct reference.
"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."
EGW directly quotes and alludes to Luke 10:2, making the connection undeniable.