***** Sabbath, June 6, 1863, I was shown some things in regard to the work of God and the spread of the truth. Preachers and people have too little faith, too little devotion and true godliness. The people imitate the preacher, and thus he has a very great influence upon them. Brother Hull, God wants you to come nearer to Him, where you can take hold of His strength, and by living faith claim His salvation, and be a strong man. If you were a devotional, godly man, in the pulpit and out, a mighty influence would attend your preaching. You do not closely search your own heart. You have studied many works to make your discourses thorough, able, and pleasing; but you have neglected the greatest and most necessary study, the study of yourself. A thorough knowledge of yourself, meditation and prayer, have come in as secondary things. Your success as a minister depends upon your keeping your own heart. You will receive more strength by spending one hour each day in meditation, and in mourning…
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God through meditation and prayer, which directly echoes the call to 'draw nigh to God' in James 4:8. The passage also speaks of cleansing the heart through self-examination.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of Proverbs 4:23, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's heart. EGW states, 'Your success as a minister depends upon your keeping your own heart,' which aligns with the proverb's warning to guard the heart diligently.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
Both passages emphasize the importance of strength derived from God. EGW speaks of taking hold of God's strength, while Ephesians speaks of being strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
The EGW passage discusses how people imitate the preacher, giving him great influence. This echoes the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 11:1, where Paul encourages believers to follow his example as he follows Christ.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Both passages highlight the importance of meditation and the heart's condition before God. EGW emphasizes meditation and mourning, while the Psalm speaks of the meditation of the heart being acceptable to God.