"“Thus you see I am still a spared monument of God's mercy and faithfulness in afflicting His children. He doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men; but sometimes trials are needed as a discipline, to wean us from earth— And bid us seek substantial bliss Beyond a fleeting world like this. 1T 673.2"
"For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men."
The EGW passage directly quotes and references Lamentations 3:33, making the connection explicit.
"To join with the triumphant saints That sing Jehovah's praise. My knowledge of that state is small, My eye of faith is dim; But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with Him. Baxter . 1T 673.3"
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"
Both passages refer to joining saints in praising God. The EGW passage speaks of joining the 'triumphant saints' to sing Jehovah's praise, while Revelation 7:9 describes a multitude standing before the throne praising the Lamb. The connection is thematic, relating to the worship of God in heaven.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Both passages touch on the idea of being with Christ, whether in life or death. The EGW passage expresses the sentiment that 'tis enough that Christ knows all, and I shall be with Him,' while Philippians 1:21 states, 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' The connection lies in the desire for union with Christ.