"But the influence of some in the office grieved and discouraged Marcus. Those young men who did not esteem him as he deserved, and whose Christian life was a contradiction to their profession, were the means that Satan used to separate from the office the gift which God had given to it. He went away perplexed, grieved, discouraged. Those who had had years of experience, and who should have had the love of Christ in their hearts, were so far separated from God by selfishness, pride, and their own folly that they could not discern the special work of God in connecting Marcus with the office. 3T 206.1"
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
Both passages discuss the concept of grieving or discouraging a spiritual entity (Marcus/Holy Spirit) through negative actions and attitudes. The connection is thematic, focusing on the impact of behavior on spiritual well-being.
"If those who are connected with the office had been awake and not spiritually paralyzed, Brother I would long ago have been connected with the office and might now be prepared to do a good work which much needs to be done. He should have been engaged in teaching young men and women, that they might now be qualified to become workers in missionary fields. 3T 206.2"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
Both passages highlight the need for more workers in a specific field (missionary work/harvest). The EGW passage laments the lack of prepared individuals, echoing the sentiment of the Bible verse about the few laborers.
"Those engaged in the work have been about two thirds dead because of yielding to wrong influences. They have been where God could not impress them by His Holy Spirit. And, oh, how my heart aches as I see that so much time has passed, and that the great work that might have been done is left undone because those in important positions have not walked in the light! Satan has stood prepared to sympathize with the men in holy office and to tell them that God does not require of them as much zeal and unselfish, devoted interest as Brother White expects; and they settle down carelessly in Satan's easy chair, and the ever-vigilant, persevering foe binds them in chains of darkness while they think that they are all right. Satan works on their right hand and on their left, and all around them; and they know it not. They call darkness light, and light darkness. 3T 206.3"
"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
Both passages address a state of spiritual slumber or death and the need to awaken and receive light. The EGW passage describes individuals being spiritually dead and deceived by Satan, while the Bible verse calls for awakening from sleep and receiving light from Christ.