"Chapter 80—Unconsecrated Ministers Ministers who preach the third message should labor because they feel that God has laid upon them the burden of the work. Our ministers are placed above want, if they exercise any degree of economy. If they lack, they will be in want in any position in which they may be placed. Give them the most favorable chance and they would spend all they receive. This has been the case with Elder Hull. Such need an almost inexhaustible fund to draw from in order to be satisfied. 1T 438"
"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."
The EGW passage discusses ministers being provided for and the issue of some being wasteful. This directly relates to the principle in 1 Corinthians 9:14, which states that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
"Those who fail to manage wisely in temporal matters, generally lack in spiritual things. They fail to build up the church. They may possess natural talents and be called smart speakers, and yet lack moral worth. They may draw large congregations and raise considerable excitement; but when the fruit is sought for, there is very little, if any, to be found. Such men frequently get above the work and lose their love for the simplicity of the gospel. They are not sanctified through the truths they preach. This has been the case with Elder Hull. He has lacked that grace which establishes the soul and elevates and ennobles the character of the man. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. This is the ground of our steadfastness. 1T 438.2"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
The EGW passage explicitly discusses the lack of fruit resulting from Elder Hull's ministry, directly mirroring the concept of judging by fruits in Matthew 7:20. The passage elaborates on the qualities that are lacking, leading to the absence of lasting spiritual results.
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
Both passages address the idea that outward gifts and talents are insufficient without inner qualities like love (charity) or grace. The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of grace in establishing the soul, while 1 Corinthians 13:2 highlights the worthlessness of gifts without charity.
In places where Elder Hull has given a course of lectures, the people have been pleased with his witticisms and his peculiar style of preaching, yet but few have embraced the truth as the result of his labors; and even of these quite a proportion soon renounce the faith. Many have been disappointed that there was so little fruit to be found after his labor. I was shown the reason. Humility, simplicity, purity, and holiness of life were lacking. He has thought that his smart labor was invaluable, and that the cause would hardly exist if he should be disconnected from it; but if he could have known the anxiety which the real laborers in the cause, who have tried to help him, have suffered on his account, he would not have had so high an estimate of his own labors. His course has been a continual burden to the cause, and it would have prospered better without his influence. The anxiety of his brethren to save him from falling has led them to do too much for him in point of means. They hav…
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
The EGW passage directly addresses the lack of fruit from Elder Hull's ministry, attributing it to a lack of humility, simplicity, purity, and holiness. This directly echoes the principle in Matthew 7:16, which states that one can discern the true nature of something by its fruits. The lack of converts and the proportion who renounce the faith are presented as the 'fruits' of Elder Hull's ministry, indicating a problem with its foundation.
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Both passages address the idea that success in ministry is not solely dependent on the individual's efforts but requires God's blessing and increase. EGW's passage speaks of Elder Hull's lack of fruit despite his efforts, while 1 Corinthians 3:6 emphasizes that God is the one who ultimately gives the increase, regardless of who plants or waters.