"It must be kept before the people that the right balance of the mental and moral powers depends in a great degree on the right condition of the physical system. All narcotics and unnatural stimulants that enfeeble and degrade the physical nature tend to lower the tone of the intellect and morals. Intemperance lies at the foundation of the moral depravity of the world. By the indulgence of perverted appetite, man loses his power to resist temptation. MH 335.1"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The EGW passage echoes the principle of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, emphasizing the importance of caring for the physical body as it impacts the mental and moral state. Both passages connect physical health with spiritual well-being and glorifying God.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Both passages emphasize the importance of presenting the body as something holy and acceptable. Romans 12:1 calls for a living sacrifice, while the EGW passage discusses the need for a right condition of the physical system to maintain mental and moral powers. The connection is thematic, focusing on the body's role in spiritual life.
"Temperance reformers have a work to do in educating the people in these lines. Teach them that health, character, and even life, are endangered by the use of stimulants, which excite the exhausted energies to unnatural, spasmodic action. MH 335.2"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
Both passages relate to the idea of the body as a temple. The EGW passage speaks about the dangers of stimulants, while 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds believers that their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The connection is thematic, focusing on the body's sacredness and the need to care for it.
"In relation to tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally and perform her work nobly and well. MH 335.3"
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright."
Both passages advocate abstaining from intoxicating substances. Proverbs 23:31 warns against even looking at wine, while EGW applies a similar principle to tea, coffee, and alcohol, urging complete avoidance.