"God calls for self-denying, self-sacrificing workers. Those who devote their God-given time to hunting for souls, travailing for souls, watching for souls as they that must give an account, will obtain a rich experience. As they communicate the precious truths of God's word to others, their own hearts will be opened for the entrance of the word. They will be instructed by the Great Teacher. 6T 86.1"
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
The EGW passage directly echoes the phrase 'watch for your souls, as they that must give an account' from Hebrews 13:17. The context is also similar, discussing the responsibility of leaders/workers towards those they serve.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
Both passages emphasize the need for dedicated workers in God's service. EGW calls for self-denying, self-sacrificing workers who hunt for souls, while Matthew 9:37-38 highlights the plenteous harvest and the need for laborers. The shared theme of a need for more workers connects the two passages.
"Christ has opened a fountain for the sinful, suffering world, and the voice of divine mercy is heard: “Come, all ye thirsting souls; come and drink.” You may take of the water of life freely. Let him that heareth say, Come; and whosoever will, let him come. Let every soul, women as well as men, sound this message. Then the work will be carried to the waste places of the earth. The scripture will be fulfilled: In that day the Lord shall open fountains in the valleys, and “rivers in the desert,” and “with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 41:18 ; 43:19, 20 ; 12:3 . 6T 86.2"
"I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 41:18 in this passage.
"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
Both passages use the imagery of water and thirst to represent spiritual fulfillment and the invitation to receive God's grace. EGW directly quotes 'Come, all ye thirsting souls; come and drink,' which aligns with the sentiment of John 7:37.
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
EGW's passage directly alludes to Revelation 22:17 with the phrases 'Let him that heareth say, Come; and whosoever will, let him come' and the theme of taking the water of life freely.