"Chapter 2—My Conversion In March, 1840, William Miller visited Portland, Maine, and gave his first course of lectures on the second coming of Christ. These lectures produced a great sensation, and the Christian church on Casco Street, occupied by Mr. Miller, was crowded day and night. No wild excitement attended these meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded the minds of those who heard his discourses. Not only was there manifested a great interest in the city, but the country people flocked in day after day, bringing their lunch baskets, and remaining from morning until the close of the evening meeting. 1T 14"
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages describe people eagerly receiving and investigating religious teachings. The Bereans' diligent study of scripture parallels the interest and solemnity surrounding Miller's lectures.
"Special meetings were appointed where sinners might have an opportunity to seek their Saviour and prepare for the fearful events soon to take place. Terror and conviction spread through the entire city. Prayer meetings were established, and there was a general awakening among the various denominations, for they all felt more or less the influence that proceeded from the teaching of the near coming of Christ. 1T 14.3"
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Both passages describe a powerful spiritual awakening and conviction of sin in response to preaching. In Acts 2:37, the people are 'pricked in their heart' after hearing Peter's sermon. Similarly, EGW describes 'terror and conviction' spreading through the city and a general awakening among denominations. The core connection is the shared experience of widespread spiritual conviction following a message.
"When sinners were invited forward to the anxious seat, hundreds responded to the call, and I, among the rest, pressed through the crowd and took my place with the seekers. But there was in my heart a feeling that I could never become worthy to be called a child of God. A lack of confidence in myself, and a conviction that it would be impossible to make anyone understand my feelings, prevented me from seeking advice and aid from my Christian friends. Thus I wandered needlessly in darkness and despair, while they, not penetrating my reserve, were entirely ignorant of my true state. 1T 14.4"
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16 encourages confession of faults and prayer for one another. EGW's passage describes her inability to seek advice and aid from Christian friends due to a lack of confidence and fear of being misunderstood. The principle of confessing faults and seeking support from others is directly relevant to EGW's experience of isolation and despair.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Both passages address the theme of seeking solace and finding rest. Matthew 11:28 is an invitation to come to Jesus for rest from burdens. EGW's passage describes her feeling unworthy and wandering in darkness and despair. While not a direct quote, the underlying theme of needing rest and finding it in a relationship with God is present in both.
"For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."
Both passages describe a feeling of being burdened by sin and unworthiness. In Psalms 38:4, the psalmist describes his iniquities as a heavy burden. EGW expresses a feeling that she could never become worthy to be called a child of God. The connection lies in the shared experience of feeling weighed down by sin and its consequences.