"much more power to move the people in the East than in the West, and at present but very little can be accomplished in the East. Special efforts should be made at the present time where most good will result. 1T 146.3 The people in the East have heard the proclamation of the second coming of Christ, and have seen much of the display of the power of God, and have fallen back into a state of indifference and security where it is almost impossible to reach them at present. After uncommon efforts are made in the East, with the best gifts, but very little is accomplished. 1T 147.1"
"For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
Both passages describe a people who are hardened and resistant to spiritual understanding. EGW's description of the people in the East falling into indifference and security aligns with the idea of a hardened heart and closed eyes, as described in Matthew 13:15.
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."
Both passages deal with the rejection of a message and the appropriate response. EGW's statement about the East being difficult to reach echoes the sentiment of moving on from those who reject the message, as described in Matthew 10:14.
"I saw that the people in the West could be moved much more easily than those in the East. They have not had the light of the truth, and have not rejected it, and their hearts are more tender and susceptible to the truth and the Spirit of God. The hearts of many in the West are already prepared to eagerly receive the truth; and as the servants of God go out to labor for the salvation of precious souls, they have much to encourage them in their arduous work. As the people are anxious to hear, and many embrace the truth, the gift which God has given His servants is called out and strengthened. They see that their efforts are crowned with success. 1T 147.2"
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Both passages speak to the readiness of people to receive the message. The EGW passage speaks of the West being more receptive, while the Bible verse speaks of the fields being ripe for harvest. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"I saw that tenfold more has been accomplished in the West than in the East with the same effort, and that the way is opening for still greater success. I have seen that much can be done at present in Wisconsin, and still more in Illinois, and that efforts to spread the truth must be made in Minnesota and Iowa. It will take effect in many hearts there. There was a large, very large, field of labor spread out before me in vision, which has not yet been entered; but there is not self-sacrificing help enough to fill half the places where the people are all ready to hear the truth, and many to receive it. 1T 147.3"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
This is very similar to Luke 10:2, and the reasoning is the same. Both passages highlight the need for more laborers in a large harvest field. EGW's passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 9:37, emphasizing the scarcity of workers compared to the abundant opportunities for spreading the truth.
"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."
Both passages highlight the need for more laborers in a large harvest field. EGW's passage echoes the sentiment of Luke 10:2, emphasizing the scarcity of workers compared to the abundant opportunities for spreading the truth.