"of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is no sin, and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. Any habit which does not promote health degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers. SL 25.1"
"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 aligns with the concept of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). EGW argues that intemperance defiles this temple and hinders spiritual growth. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"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."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Romans 12:1, urging believers to present their bodies in a way that is pleasing to God. EGW connects physical health and moral/spiritual well-being, which aligns with the idea of offering one's body as a 'living sacrifice.'