"While disordering his nerves and clouding his brain by the use of narcotic poisons, how can one be true to the trust reposed in him as a skillful physician? How impossible for him to discern quickly or to execute with precision! MH 134.2"
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
Both passages address the importance of self-control and discipline, particularly for those in positions of influence or responsibility. The EGW passage focuses on a physician's ability to think clearly and act precisely, while 1 Corinthians 9:27 speaks more broadly about bringing the body into subjection to avoid being disqualified.
"If he does not observe the laws that govern his own being, if he chooses selfish gratification above soundness of mind and body, does he not thereby declare himself unfit to be entrusted with the responsibility of human lives? MH 134.3"
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal conduct and self-governance for those in leadership or responsible positions. The EGW passage focuses on a physician's fitness to care for lives, while 1 Timothy 3:2 outlines qualifications for a bishop, including being blameless and sober.
"However skilled and faithful a physician may be, there is in his experience much of apparent discouragement and defeat. Often his work fails of accomplishing that which he longs to see accomplished. Though health is restored to his patients, it may be no real benefit to them or to the world. Many recover health, only to repeat the indulgences that invited disease. With the same eagerness as before, they plunge again into the round of self-indulgence and folly. The physician's work for them seems like effort thrown away. MH 134.4"
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,"
Both passages highlight the disappointment that can come when those who are healed or helped do not show gratitude or change their ways. The EGW passage speaks of patients returning to unhealthy habits, while Luke 17:15 describes only one leper returning to thank Jesus.
"Christ had the same experience, yet He did not cease His efforts for one suffering soul. Of the ten lepers who were cleansed, only one appreciated the gift, and he was a stranger and a Samaritan. For the sake of that one, Christ healed the ten. If the physician meets with no better success than the Saviour had, let him learn a lesson from the Chief Physician. Of Christ it is written, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 42:4 ; 53:11 . MH 134.5"
"He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 42:4 in this passage.
"And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
The EGW passage directly references the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19, drawing a parallel between Christ's experience and the potential discouragement a physician might face. It also quotes Isaiah 42:4 and 53:11 to encourage perseverance.