"Night after night in my dreams I seemed to be laboring for the salvation of souls. At such times special cases were presented to my mind; these I afterward sought out and prayed with. In every instance but one these persons yielded themselves to the Lord. Some of our more formal brethren feared that I was too zealous for the conversion of souls, but time seemed to me so short that it behooved all who had a hope of a blessed immortality and looked for the soon coming of Christ, to labor without ceasing for those who were still in their sins and standing on the awful brink of ruin. 1T 34.1"
"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"
The EGW passage emphasizes zealous labor for souls and looking for Christ's coming, which aligns with the Romans verse about being fervent in spirit and serving the Lord. The connection is thematic, focusing on diligence and zeal in spiritual matters.
"Though I was very young, the plan of salvation was so clear to my mind, and my personal experience had been so marked, that, upon considering the matter, I knew it was my duty to continue my efforts for the salvation of precious souls and to pray and confess Christ at every opportunity. My entire being was offered to the service of my Master. Let come what would, I determined to please God, and live as one who expected the Saviour to come and reward the faithful. I felt like a little child coming to God as to my father, and asking Him what He would have me to do. Then as my duty was made plain to me, it was my greatest happiness to perform it. Peculiar trials sometimes beset me. Those older in experience than myself endeavored to hold me back and cool the ardor of my faith; but with the smiles of Jesus brightening my life, and the love of God in my heart, I went on my way with a joyful spirit. 1T 34.2"
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage mentions confessing Christ, which directly echoes the sentiment in Matthew 10:32. The connection is clear and relevant.
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
The EGW passage speaks of pleasing God and receiving a reward for faithfulness, which aligns with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:21. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
The EGW passage describes a willingness to serve God and find joy in doing His will, which aligns with the Matthew verse about learning from Jesus' meekness and finding rest. The connection is thematic, focusing on submission to God and finding peace in service.
"As often as I recall the experience of my early life, my brother, the confidant of my hopes and fears, the earnest sympathizer with me in my Christian experience, comes to my mind with a flood of tender memories. He was one of those to whom sin presents but few temptations. Naturally devotional, he never sought the society of the young and gay, but chose rather the company of Christians whose conversation would instruct him in the way of life. His manner was serious beyond his years; he was gentle and peaceful, and his mind was almost constantly filled with religious thoughts. His life was pointed to, by those who knew him, as a pattern to the youth, a living example of the grace and beauty of true Christianity. 1T 34.3"
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
The description of her brother's character in the EGW passage closely mirrors the description of the blessed man in Psalm 1:1, who avoids ungodly counsel and the company of sinners. The connection is strong and relevant.