"At the Grave Half a century had passed since Mrs. White and her husband buried their youngest child and soon afterward their first-born in the beautiful spot where now she herself was to rest. When in 1881 Elder James White was laid beside the children, little did his bereaved companion think that the Lord would strengthen her to continue in ministry for a full third of a century. Yet such had been the case; and now, her labors ended, she was to rest by the side of her loved ones. LS 479"
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
The EGW passage describes her burial next to her family, and the 1 Thessalonians verse addresses grief and hope concerning those who have died ('asleep'). The verse provides a context for understanding the emotions and beliefs surrounding death and burial, making the connection meaningful.
"The hymn, “We shall meet beyond the river,” and benediction by Elder W. T. Knox, closed the Tabernacle service. Carriages and cars were in waiting, and these conveyed many hundreds to the burial place in Oak Hill Cemetery. LS 479.1"
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
The 1 Thessalonians passage speaks of hope in the face of death, which is directly relevant to a funeral service and the hymn mentioned. The hymn title itself suggests a hope beyond death, aligning with the verse's message.
Elder I. H. Evans read the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, as recorded in the eleventh chapter of John. Jesus has declared: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.” Elder Evans also read, from the apostle Paul's inspired testimony in 1 Corinthians 15 , many positive and comforting assurances concerning the resurrection of the righteous. “If there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” “In Christ shall all be made alive.” “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus …
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
The EGW passage directly quotes John 11:25, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Corinthians 15:13, making it a clear and explicit allusion.